THE OPPOSITION
Derby County face their second game in the capital in four days tonight, hoping for a similar result to the one they picked up against Millwall on Saturday.
That victory, given to them by Jason Knight's 69th minute goal, was just their second win in all competitions this campaign, and first under interim manager Wayne Rooney.
Under the sole charge of England's record goalscorer The Rams are unbeaten in three matches, picking up five points to move them off the bottom of the table and to within two points of safety ahead of tonight's match.
Despite the improved results, The Rams are still a long way from where many thought they would be this term. Phillip Cocu's young charges were a point off the Play-Offs with six games to play last season before falling away to finish 10th. They continued that slide into this season with just one win from their opening 11 spelling the end of Cocu's tenure in the East Midlands.
TEAM NEWS
Christian Norgaard is not available for tonight's game but is making progress towards a return. Charlie Goode has returned to group training this week following a non-Covid related illness while Mads Roerslev (foot) and Shandon Baptiste (knee) remain on the injured list.
Former Bee Nathan Byrne is suspended tonight but the other team news is positive for Wayne Rooney's Rams. Jordan Ibe was included in the matchday squad for the first time this season on Saturday with Martyn Waghorn also returning. Krystian Bielik has also played the last two matches after almost a year out with a knee injury.
THE MANAGER
A childhood prodigy who went on to become Manchester United and England's record goalscorer, Wayne Rooney's playing days may now be at an end as he steps into the dugout at Pride Park. If that is the case, he retires having won 16 major trophies, including five Premier Leagues and a Champions League, at Manchester United as well as representing England at six major finals. England's most capped outfield player was voted the PFA Players' Player, PFA Fans' Player, Football Writers Association, and Premier League Player of the Year in 2009/10, finishing fifth in the Ballon D'Or voting in 2011. In total he has scored 313 goals in 761 Club appearances to add to 53 goals in 120 England appearances.
THOMAS' THOUGHTS
PRE-MATCH VIEWS
⚖ David Webb will be the man in charge tonight
🆚 BBC Sport's Chris Coles on The Rams
MEMORABLE MEETING
HOW TO FOLLOW
Tonight's game is live on iFollow. For just £10 (£7 for international fans) you can keep up with all the action live from our new home.
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Season Ticket and Premium Seat Holders who froze their tickets have had their iFollow account upgraded to VIP for this fixture. This means you simply have to log-in to watch the game. To check you have been upgraded to VIP, login and head to ‘My iFollow Account’, select ‘Purchased Packages’, if you have been upgraded you will see a Brentford Season Ticket with an active status.
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