Brentford v Derby: five key battles

Brentford face Derby at Griffin Park this weekend. Here are five potential battles we think could be crucial in Saturday’s game at Griffin Park.

Jake Bidwell v Tom Ince
Derby could revert to 4-3-3 following their home defeat by MK Dons last weekend, which may mean Ince is pushed on into a more advanced position out wide. Either way, Bees captain Bidwell will need to be on his toes, even though Ince has not been at his best in recent weeks.

Josh McEachran v Craig Bryson
McEachran is likely to return to the Bees side after recovering from injury. Bryson, a driving force in Derby’s midfield who also provides a goal threat, will be a key man for the visitors and controlling the midfield is essential.

Chris Martin v Jack O’Connell
Yoann Barbet’s sending-off at Sheffield Wednesday last week means he serves a suspension. O’Connell is likely to partner Harlee Dean and they can expect to be tested by the experienced Martin.

Lasse Vibe or Philipp Hofmann v Richard Keogh
Hofmann started against Wednesday but Vibe will hope to return to the starting line-up. Keogh is a committed and wholehearted centre-back but has a mistake in him – as shown by his attempted clearance which presented Bobby Zamora with the goal that won QPR the 2014 play-off final.

Alan Judge v Jeff Hendrick
Judge’s terrific form has been put down to a move into a central role, which offers him the freedom on which he thrives. Hendrick will hope to deny him that space in what could be one of the most important contests on the pitch.