In Focus: Wissa can Bee the main man in Toney's absence

Brentford will be without talisman Ivan Toney until January after he was found guilty of breaching betting rules.

The England international scored an impressive 20 goals last season — the third-most in the Premier League — and the task of filling the gap in the Bees' forward line falls to Yoane Wissa.

Toney's level of productivity will be hard to replicate but the absence grants his Congolese team-mate an opportunity to prove his worth to manager Thomas Frank. 

As Brentford gear up to host Tottenham this afternoon, we analyse how the West Londoners will be impacted by the change of personnel up front.

Impact

Wissa featured in all 38 of Brentford's Premier League games last season but only started 16.

Despite his limited game time, the 26-year-old still managed seven goals in the English top flight — the third-most in the Bees' ranks.

In Brentford's second-half demolition of Tottenham in May, Wissa netted and registered an assist in a deserved 3-1 victory.

Overall in his time at the club, the versatile forward has struck 17 times in 74 appearances.

High praise

Bees boss Frank has been keen to share how highly he rates Wissa.

The 12-cap international recently signed a new three-year contract at Brentford — with the option of a further 12 months — and the Danish tactician was delighted by the news.

Frank said: "I'm very pleased that Wissa has signed a new contract, he's been a great addition to the club since he arrived.

"He's a very good player who has proved he can score goals in the Premier League. It's a big thing to have a player like him in the squad."

Mbeumo partnership

One of Brentford's main attacking weapons since being promoted to the Premier League in 2021 has been the link-up between Toney and Bryan Mbeumo.

Cameroon international Mbuemo is a well-rounded talent, proved by his nine goals and eight assists last term. 

He also created the eighth-most big chances in the Premier League with 14.

Wissa must take advantage of Mbeumo's steady supply of scoring opportunities in the same way that Toney did.

Tottenham test

Wissa begins the daunting task of having to fill in for Toney on home soil.

The Lilywhites have their own striker concerns as Harry Kane's departure to Bayern Munich leaves huge boots to fill.

New manager Ange Postecglou has been attempting to revamp a side that made the most errors leading to a goal in the Premier League last season (10).

But if Spurs' old habits persist in their opener, Wissa may be afforded the perfect opportunity to prove he can replace Toney.