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Brentford vs Burnley: Hickey Starts, Jensen First League XI

Brentford vs Burnley: Hickey Starts, Jensen First League XI
Credit: westlondonsport.com/brentfordfc.com

Key Points

  • Brentford head coach Keith Andrews made two changes for the Premier League clash against Burnley.
  • Aaron Hickey was selected at left-back, replacing Kristoffer Ajer who dropped to the bench.
  • Mathias Jensen started in midfield, marking his first Premier League start since August.
  • Brentford have lost only one of their seven home games so far this season.
  • Burnley come into the game having lost all but one away match.
  • Brentford’s starting lineup included Kelleher, Kayode, van den Berg, Collins, Hickey, Henderson, Jensen, Damsgaard, Ouattara, Thiago, and Schade.
  • Substitutes were Valdimarsson, Henry, Pinnock, Nelson, Onyeka, Yarmoliuk, Ajer, Lewis-Potter, and Janelt.
  • Hickey is returning from a significant injury layoff and was considered a promising full-back before his injury.
  • Jensen had not started in the league since August prior to this match.

What changes did Brentford make to their starting lineup?

As reported by hounslow/brentford/">Brentford FC’s official news on 28 November 2025, head coach Keith Andrews made deliberate changes for Brentford’s Premier League fixture against Burnley. Aaron Hickey was brought in to start at left-back, taking the place of Kristoffer Ajer who was relegated to the bench. Additionally, midfielder Mathias Jensen was handed a starting role, marking his first league start since August 2025. These adjustments suggested a strategic approach given the team’s recent home performance and the away struggles of their opponents, Burnley.

Why is Aaron Hickey’s inclusion significant?

According to a profile on Rotowire covering November 2025, Aaron Hickey’s inclusion holds notable significance as he has been recovering from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined for almost two full seasons. His return to the starting eleven reflects a major step in his comeback. Before the injury, Hickey was highly rated as a versatile full-back capable of playing on either flank. Brentford manager Keith Andrews’ decision to include him underscores trust in his abilities and importance to the team setup.

What is Mathias Jensen’s current form and role?

Mathias Jensen’s start, as stated by Brentford FC, was his first Premier League start since August 2025. This indicates Jensen has had limited starts and possibly was managing fitness or form issues earlier in the season. His return to the starting lineup adds experience and midfield stability for Brentford in this challenging encounter. Jensen’s role is pivotal in linking the midfield with attack, complementing other midfielders such as Jordan Henderson.

How has Brentford performed at home this season and what does this match mean?

Brentford’s home form, highlighted in the team news release, has been strong with only a single loss in seven home matches across all competitions this season. This record places them in a favourable position going into the match against Burnley, who have struggled away from home with losses in almost all their away games. The match is vital for Brentford to maintain their solid home presence and accumulate points towards their league goals.

What did the confirmed lineup look like?

The confirmed Brentford lineup for the Burnley game was:

  • Goalkeeper: Kelleher
  • Defence: Kayode, van den Berg, Collins, Hickey
  • Midfield: Henderson, Jensen, Damsgaard
  • Attack: Ouattara, Thiago, Schade

On the bench were Valdimarsson, Henry, Pinnock, Nelson, Onyeka, Yarmoliuk, Ajer, Lewis-Potter, and Janelt. This lineup shows a mix of experience and youth aimed at securing victory at the Gtech Stadium.