A massive game in the Championship on Wednesday at Griffin Park will see high flying Brentford face up to Preston North End, with a 5pm kick-off.
It goes without saying that this is a huge game for both sides. Brentford are on a roll now and are putting pressure on the top two for automatic promotion.
Preston sit in eighth place, only two points off the play-off positions.
Although just four points off West Brom in second, the Bees come into this match on the back of a terrific run of form since the lockdown that has seen the club win their last six games.
Preston North End come into Wednesday’s game with stuttering form, just one win in their last five games. A 3-1 victory at Sheffield Wednesday.
At the weekend the Bees went to Pride Park and completed a 3-1 victory against Derby. A brace from Said Berahma and an early Ollie Watkins strike was enough to secure another three points for Brentford and their push for automatic promotion.
The Lillywhites had to settle for a share of the points against Nottingham Forest with Jayden Stockley replying to Lewis Grabban’s early goal at Deepdale.
When these sides met back in September in the North West it was Preston who were victorious by 2-0 thanks to goals from Sean Maguire and Tom Barkhuizen.
In the previous 13 meetings between the sides, Brentford have won seven with Preston four and only two draws.
The hosts look unbeatable at Griffin Park having not lost in seven games. On their travels Preston are unbeaten in their last three.
Thomas Frank’s Bees have been lethal in front of goal. The trio of Watkins, Benrahma and Bryan Mbeumo have hit an impressive 56 goals between them in the league this season.
The Algerian Benrama has been the outstanding player in the championship and is already on a current scoring form of six in his last three. French midfielder Mbeumo has hit the net three times in his last seven games.
Team News
Shandon Baptiste is a doubt for Frank’s side.
Preston could well make two changes to the trip to London. Barkhuizen and Paul Gallagher are set to feature.
Match Prediction
Have to go with form here and say that Brentford will continue their push for automatic promotion with a 3-1 victory.
Match Preview written by Peter Moore.