Thomas Frank has backed his Brentford side to upset the odds and take points from Manchester City on Saturday despite the form of ‘goal machine’ Erling Haaland.

The Bees are without a win in their past four league games, with a defeat to League Two Gillingham in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday compounding a difficult few weeks for the West London side. 

They now face the daunting prospect of a trip north to face champions Manchester City, who have smashed in 39 goals already this term – 18 from the boot of Haaland.

But despite the challenge that undoubtedly faces Brentford in their final match before a break for the World Cup, Frank has full confidence in his side to go and take a point or three.

“They are an unbelievably difficult side to close down, but I back us to do something," said Frank.

“We have never, ever gone into a game believing that we’re not capable of winning. I’m convinced we can go to the Etihad and win.

“It’s going to be difficult, unbelievably difficult against maybe the best team in the world.

“They have an almost complete squad and then they added Haaland who will be destroying goal records in the coming years.

“He is a goal machine that will break records going forwards. He’s already done and it and he will continue doing it.

“He’s playing for a team that is giving him the best possibilities to score goals because they will provide him with good opportunities.

“I think it’s about stopping the source. The more we can stop the source into Haaland the better.”

Brentford’s chances in Manchester will be boosted by the return of star striker Ivan Toney from suspension.

Toney has been in red-hot form this season, netting eight goals in 13 games, but this was not enough to convince Gareth Southgate to include him in England’s World Cup squad.

But Frank believes the disappointment won’t impact Toney, despite believing his number nine should be on the plane to Qatar.

“You cannot find a better striker in form in the country after Harry Kane,” said Frank. “It’s impossible.

“Of course, he hoped for it. We are only humans that want to succeed and want to get big experiences in life and the World Cup is one of them.

“I haven’t spoken to Ivan but he is a very smart guy and when he didn’t come on the pitch last time then it’s probably not the biggest surprise that he’s not called up now.

“There’s a strong mentality from Ivan, he will move forward from this.”