THE OPPOSITION

After missing out on the Play-Offs by just two points in May, Alex Neil's side haven't been able to hit the same heights against this term as they head into tonight's game inside the bottom three and with just two Sky Bet Championship victories to their name.

That said, a recent run of one defeat in five, which included a 4-0 victory over Wigan Athletic last time out at Deepdale, indicates that a corner might have been turned in Lancashire.

North End have had no problem scoring goals, their 19 strikes is three more than league leaders Middlesbrough, but it's defensively where they have struggled, shipping a league-high 25 goals in 13 games so far.

After such an impressive showing last term, it was a very quiet summer on the transfer front with Michael Crowe [Ipswich Town] and Michael Howard [Cork City] the only arrivals.

TEAM NEWS

Thomas Frank will be without the suspended Chris Mepham tonight while Julian Jeanvier faces a race to be fit due to a foot injury.

After more than a year out, Rico Henry will make his return for Brentford B this evening against Southampton at Griffin Park while Emiliano Marcondes returned to light training on Monday after missing three months with a foot injury.

North End will be without Billy Bodin and Josh Harrop, both of whom have torn ACLs, and Calum Woods, who has a calf injury, for tonight's game.

THE MANAGER

Alex Neil didn't take long to make his mark as a manager after hanging up his boots at the tender age of 31. As a player, Neil had spells both sides of the border with Airdrieonians, Mansfield Town, and Barnsley before returning north of the border to join Hamilton Academical. He made more than 200 appearances at New Douglas Park and helped Accies gain promotion to the Scottish Premier League in 2008. After Billy Reid stepped down in April 2013, Neil was handed the manager's job on an interim basis before being appointed the full-time boss that summer.

During his first season in charge, he guided Hamilton back to the top tier in Scotland and then oversaw their first win away at Celtic Park for 76 years. Neil answered Norwich's call in January 2015 and won 17 of his first 25 games in charge to bring Premier League football back to Carrow Road. The Scot couldn't prevent relegation from the top flight at the first attempt and an indifferent run back in the second tier saw Neil depart Carrow Road. The 37-year-old wasn't out of work long with Preston appointing him as manager in July 2017.

HEAD TO HEAD

Brentford wins: 22

Draws: 13

Preston wins: 19

PRE-MATCH FEATURES

Thomas Frank feels there's plenty more to come from his side

Josh McEachran on fatherhood, family day, and Preston fixture

Hot off the Press: Lancashire Evening Post's Dave Seddon on what to expect from North End

Travel Guide: Plan your day at Deepdale with our Matchday guide

Ref Watch: Scott Duncan has been handed tonight's visit to Lancashire

LAST TIME OUT

It's almost a year to the day since our last trip to Deepdale and we returned south with the three points

TICKET AND TRAVEL INFO

There'll be Pay on the Day at Deepdale tonight from the Away Ticket Office in the Bill Shankley Kop:

Adults (22-64) £24

Seniors £16

Students and Apprentices (22-24)/Young Adult (19-21) £15

11-18 £8

Under 11 £2

Preston have put together a guide for Away Supporters which can be viewed here.

MATCH COVERAGE

Chris Wickham and Ben Burgess will be bringing you live commentary from Deepdale this evening.

Tonight's match will also be broadcast live on iFollow for both domestic and international supporters. For more information click here.

Download the Official Brentford FC App to get notifications direct to your phone, plus all the latest news, views and reaction from the game. Visit the Play Store or iTunes App Store now to download.