Brentford V Derby at Griffin Park : Match Preview

12 April 2017 18:34

Josh McEachran and Andreas Bjelland sidelined as Brentford host Derby

Brentford head coach Dean Smith will be without Josh McEachran and Andreas Bjelland for Friday's home game with Derby.

Both players are nearing a return to action, but their Good Friday match has come too soon for the pair. Smith hopes defender Bjelland will be available for Monday's game at Barnsley.

Yoann Barbet is set to continue to deputise for Bjelland, with Smith impressed by the Frenchman's form since he came on for the Denmark international at Ipswich.

Florian Jozefzoon is pushing for a place in the starting XI after a number of recent substitute appearances.

One or two Derby players are nursing some bumps and bruises but nothing that should prevent boss Gary Rowett picking from an unchanged squad.

Rowett is not expected to make many changes as he chases a fourth-straight win to keep alive the Rams' slim chances of reaching the play-offs.

He has plenty of options, though, with Cyrus Christie, Ikechi Anya, Darren Bent, Will Hughes, Abdoul Camara and Matej Vydra all hoping for recalls.

Jason Shackell (back), Nick Blackman (knee), Craig Forsyth (knee) and George Thorne (leg) remain long-term absentees for Derby.


Source: PAR