MATCH FACTS

THE OPPOSITION

Relegated from the Premier League in May, Cardiff, like many before them, were rudely awoken to the realities of life back in the second tier, winning just four of their opening 14 matches this term.

They had been expected to challenge under seasoned Championship campaigner Neil Warnock but a defeat at home to Bristol City in November left them 14th and saw Warnock depart after three years at the helm. Former Millwall boss Neil Harris' announcement as his replacement generated little initial excitement among the City faithful but that has grown with an upturn in form over recent weeks.

Ten points from a possible 12 since Harris' appointment have seen Cardiff re-enter promotion conversations as they go into tonight's game in eighth, just three points off the top six.

The Bluebirds are very much middle of the road in terms of goals scored and conceded. Joe Ralls and Danny Ward both have five to their name this term with Saturday's match-winner against Barnsley, Lee Tomlin, best of the rest with three.

THE MANAGER

Neil Harris won many admirers for the job he did on a limited budget at Millwall, establishing The Lions back in the second-tier following promotion in 2017. However, after four-and-a-half years in charge, Harris felt he had reached the end of his shelf-life at The Den, resigning in early October. Six-weeks later he took over at The Cardiff City Stadium and has enjoyed a fine start to life in charge in South Wales.

As a player, the wiley striker spent ten years with Millwall over two spells. He scored 138 goals in all competitions, beating the previous club-record held by Teddy Sheringham. Harris also battled and beat testicular cancer during a playing career that took him to Cardiff City, Nottingham Forest and Gillingham but was mostly spent at Millwall.

TEAM NEWS

Pontus Jansson and Henrik Dalsgaard are both available to start after missing Saturday's trip to Sheffield Wednesday. Joel Valencia and Josh Clarke are nearing returns with Sergi Canos and Nikos Karelis the long-term absentees.

Cardiff will assess Leandro Bacuna's foot after he limped off during Saturday's win over Barnsley. Gavin Whyte is back in full training while midfielder Joe Ralls (groin) may feature in the squad.

THOMAS FRANK'S PRE-MATCH THOUGHTS

PRE-MATCH VIEWS

🆚 Glen Williams of Wales Online previews The Bluebirds

⚖ John Brooks will be the man in charge tonight

CLASSIC MEETING

TICKET INFO

There aren't too many more nights under the lights to enjoy at Griffin Park. With tickets still on General Sale, you can join us from just £28 adults and £6 juniors.

Buy your tickets here

HOW TO FOLLOW

iFollow Brentford will be live from 7.15pm with Mark Burridge, Mick Cabble, and Dave Anderson. Click below to find out more about how you can follow the game wherever you are.

iFollow | Domestic (UK, Ireland, Isle of Man)

iFollow | International (other countries worldwide)

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.