Thomas Frank backs Brentford to improve away form as Southampton test awaits
Only Saints have a worse record on the road this season than Brentford
Thomas Frank is convinced Brentford will soon reverse the dismal away form that he believes has made his side a target for Premier League basement club Southampton.
Only Saints have a worse record on the road this season than Brentford, who have lost seven and drawn two of their nine matches outside of the Gtech Community Stadium.
At home, meanwhile, Liverpool alone have a stronger record than the London club as they prepare for Saturday's trip to St Mary's.
"We are halfway through the season and we have got 24 points which is acceptable, without being through the roof," boss Frank said.
"It's a good foundation to stand on. Of course, we can get more away from home, which is the aim, but we need to look more at the performances.
"In the 19 games we have played, we've had one bad performance over 90 minutes - that was against Fulham (a 2-1 defeat on November 4) and we were very close to winning that anyway.
"Then there have been spells in games when we haven't been at our best but have generally performed well. If we keep those performances away from home, then we'll win games."
Ivan Juric was appointed Southampton's new manager a fortnight ago but there was no immediate bounce following the Croat's arrival, with West Ham and Crystal Palace inflicting defeats.
"They are a good team and I know they're bottom of the league. Nothing is easy in the Premier League, we know that," Frank said.
"We have big respect for Southampton and we need to bring our A-game and be unbelievably focused. But if we are, I believe we can get three points.
"Southampton will win games before the end of the season so we need to make sure we have done our part to avoid that happening against us.
"They'll be looking at our away form and see it as a must-win game to get out of the relegation battle, we're very aware of that. But it's about us, our approach and how we've prepared."