Brentford host Lee Johnson's Bristol City on Saturday afternoon in the Sky Bet Championship, a 3pm kick-off in West London.
Thomas Frank takes charge of The Bees for the first time as Head Coach this weekend, with the squad having gone almost two weeks without a fixture thanks to the international break. The red and white stripes have gone six games without a win in all competitions, drawing the last three league games in a row.
The Opposition
Like Brentford, Bristol haven't won a game in their last five league outings, but have lost three of those to West Brom, Wigan and Sheffield Wednesday. City are 13th in the table, but just a couple of points behind The Bees in seventh.
The last time these two teams met was at Ashton Gate in April, Neal Maupay scoring the only goal in a dominant Bees performance. Dean Smith watched on as his side had 27 shots to City's two, finally finding the net through the French striker in the 80th minute.
Over the summer, Bristol lost several key members of their squad, a couple of notable departures in the defence. Joe Bryan moved to newly promoted Fulham, Aden Flint was sold to Middlesbrough and Luke Steele moved on a free to Nottingham Forest. Bobby Reid was one of the most high profile players to leave, getting a £10 million move to Premier League new boys Cardiff City.
Coming in, Marley Watkins from Norwich City and Adam Webster from Ipswich Town added Championship experience. Andreas Weimann joined from Derby County and has hit the ground running in BS3, now the side's top scorer this season.
Only two players came in on loan deals, including fullback Jay Dasilva - the brother of Brentford B defender Cole Dasilva. Chelsea's Tomas Kalas also joined to bolster the defensive side of the team.
Team News
Bristol City have been dealt a blow in goal after both Frank Fielding and Niki Maenpaa have now been ruled out of the game on Saturday. 22-year-old Max O'Leary will likely start his first game for The Robins.
Callum O'Dowda needed an assessment for concussion earlier this week, while former Norwich City midfielder Korey Smith is still on his way back from knee surgery.
For Brentford, Rico Henry has started First Team training again this week but the Bristol match will probably be too early for him to be involved in the matchday squad. Emiliano Marcondes continues his run on the sidelines with a foot problem, as does striker Marcus Forss after suffering a back injury last month.
Chris Mepham missed both of Wales' games over the international break through injury, but Thomas Frank confirmed that he will be back in contention for Saturday. The 20-year-old has taken a full part in training all week.
The Manager
Son of Cheltenham Town boss Gary, Lee played for his father at Yeovil Town and Bristol City. In his 13-year playing career, he also appeared for Heart of Midlothian, Derby County, Chesterfield and Kilmarnock. He won promotion twice under Gary at Yeovil Town and was part of the Bristol City side that made the Championship Play-Off final in 2008, losing 1-0 to Hull City. Lee also picked up a Scottish League Cup title while with Kilmarnock.
Lee became the youngest manager in the Football League in March 2013 when he took over at League One side Oldham Athletic. He led them to safety in his first season and their highest finishing position in five years in his second season before departing for Barnsley in February 2015 with The Latics ninth in League One. After initially struggling with The Tykes, he won seven of his last eight league matches, setting Barnsley on their way towards the Play-Off places, before replacing Cotterill at Ashton Gate in February 2016.
The Season So Far
Pre-Match Features
REWIND: Thomas Frank's first press conference as Head Coach
READ: Gregor MacGregor analyses City's start to 18/19
REF WATCH: Robert Jones the referee this weekend
PLAN AHEAD: Brentford B in action at Griffin Park next
Tickets and Travel
Back Thomas Frank as he takes charge of The Bees for the first time tomorrow afternoon. Get your tickets before 10am on matchday and save £5. Buy your tickets online here
Supporters heading to this Saturday’s game against Bristol City should be aware of major roadworks on the A4 which will affect journey times to Griffin Park. There are currently weekend closures of the A4, in both directions, between Clayponds Avenue and Ealing Road. There is also one lane closed Eastbound between Boston Manor Road and Ealing Road. For further details click here
Match Coverage
Matchday Live will be brought to you from Griffin Park with live iFollow commentary and analysis from the New Road Stand. Mark Burridge is your host, and he'll be joined by Marcus Gayle and Stuart Hughes from 2.30pm.
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