Brentford return to Premier League action on Saturday as they host Nottingham Forest at the Gtech Community Stadium. The Bees will be aiming to bounce back after their disappointing 3-1 defeat to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup quarter-final midweek.
Despite a mounting injury list, Thomas Frank's men have maintained an impressive home record this season and will be determined to secure another positive result in front of their fans.
Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, come into this match with renewed confidence following their thrilling 2-1 comeback win over Aston Villa. Nuno Espírito Santo's side are showing signs of consistency and resilience, and they will be keen to carry that momentum into this tricky away fixture.
With both teams facing injury challenges in defence, this clash could prove to be an exciting, high-scoring encounter.
Brentford Team News
Brentford come into this clash off the back of a midweek defeat to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup, which compounded their injury woes. Ethan Pinnock was forced off early with a hamstring injury, and Sepp van den Berg missed out entirely with a groin issue.
Both are expected to join the growing injury list alongside Rico Henry (knee), Aaron Hickey (thigh), Mathias Jensen (thigh), and Josh Dasilva (knee). Igor Thiago is also unavailable due to a joint infection, which Thomas Frank described as “very unlucky.”
These absences mean Brentford will likely turn to a makeshift defence. Ben Mee and Nathan Collins are set to form the central pairing, while Kristoffer Ajer could appear at left-back.
Despite the injuries, Brentford will be confident of maintaining their excellent home form, where they remain unbeaten this season.
Brentford Predicted Lineup to face Nottingham Forest
Flekken; Roerslev, Collins, Mee, Ajer; Norgaard, Janelt, Damsgaard; Mbeumo, Wissa, Schade
Here is how the side last lined up
Nottingham Forest Team News
Nottingham Forest come into this match buoyed by a dramatic 2-1 comeback win against Aston Villa. However, they also face defensive concerns. Murillo picked up a knock during the Villa game, and Ryan Yates was seen limping after the final whistle. Nuno Espirito Santo remains hopeful that both will be fit for the trip to West London.
If Murillo and Yates recover, Forest's defence should remain largely unchanged, with Alex Moreno set to return to the starting lineup after being ineligible to face his parent club last week. Danilo (ankle) and Ibrahim Sangare (hamstring) remain sidelined, which could see Yates partnering Morgan Gibbs-White in midfield.
Chris Wood is expected to lead the line, with Anthony Elanga and Callum Hudson-Odoi providing support from the wings.
Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup to face Brentford
Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Yates, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Notts Forest 
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