Brentford vs Derby County
Friday 14 April Griffin Park Sky Bet Championship Kick-off: 3pm
The Opponents
Five managers in 14 months and three in a single season isn't usually a successful recipe but The Rams still have an outside chance to gatecrash the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs as the season draws to a close. After a slow start to the season Nigel Pearson paid with his job in October bringing Steve McClaren back to the iPro Stadium for a second spell. Despite winning nearly 50 per cent of his games and guiding Derby from 20th to 10th by March, McClaren too was shown the exit door, former Birmingham City boss Gary Rowett coming in to replace him. Under Rowett, Derby have taken ten points from four matches, including a last gasp win over his former side last weekend, to sit seven points outside the top six with five games to play.
The Rams should have a fully fit squad to pick from for tomorrow's trip to West London, with the exception of long-term absentees Jason Shackell (back), Nick Blackman (knee), Craig Forsyth (knee) and George Thorne (leg). Top scorer Tom Ince may well be the man to watch out for after hitting double figures in each of Derby's last three seasons but The Rams also have David Nugent and Darren Bent waiting in the wings as part of a squad that boasts more than a dozen full internationals.
The Manager
Gary Rowett's sacking as Birmingham City manager in December was greeted with shock after the former City player took Blues from Championship strugglers to Play-Off contenders in the space of just two years. Rowett joined Blues from Burton Albion in October 2014, replacing Lee Clark. Despite Blues sitting 21st when he took over he guided them to a tenth placed finish before matching that feat again last season.
With appearances for Everton, Derby County, Leicester City and Cambridge United during a 16-year playing career, Rowett made the step into management after hanging up his boots with Burton. Rowett led The Brewers to the Sky Bet League Two Play-Offs in both his full seasons with the club before moving to St Andrew's to save his old club from relegation during the 2014/15 season.
Pre-match Views
Dean Smith predicts an 'entertaining' affair at Griffin Park
The Match Officials
Referee: Tim Robinson Assistant Referees: Ian Cooper and Mark Pottage Fourth Official: Nigel Lugg
Ticket news
Tickets for Friday's match are on General Sale now priced at £23 adults, £17 Juniors, £15 Young Persons, and £6 Juniors. Make sure you get your ticket before 10am on Friday to save £5 on the matchday price. Click here to buy online.
Match Betting
Principal partners 888sport offer the latest odds on tomorrow's meeting. Bees 33/20 Derby County 8/5 Draw 47/20
Join Club Sponsors 888sport today and get industry leading odds on a range of sports markets!
Match Coverage
You can hear live match commentary on Bees Player from 2.30pm tomorrow, with Mark Burridge, Marcus Gayle, and Mick Cabble.
There will be live match updates on Twitter from 2pm.