Derby County make the trip to promotion-chasing Brentford on Wednesday evening on the back of a much-needed victory over Millwall.

Meanwhile, the Bees head into Wednesday's encounter at their new ground having put together a nine-match unbeaten streak in the Championship.

Match preview

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Having avoided defeat since October 24, you would be forgiven for thinking that Thomas Frank and his Brentford squad will be full of smiles when heading into training this week.

However, a 2-2 draw at home to Blackburn Rovers, opposition who played with 10 men from the 36th minute, has left the Bees with a feeling of underachievement, both in the short and long term.

As well as dealing with the disappointment of Saturday's result, Brentford have barely moved up the standings with a nine-match unbeaten run which has included just four wins.

While just a four-point gap separates the London outfit and leaders Norwich City, Frank requires something extra from his side, particularly in the final third of the pitch.

Overcoming Derby would represent a fourth win in five outings, and there is a feeling that is what is required to keep the team heading in the right direction.

The Rams make their second trip to London in quick succession after battling their way to a narrow triumph over Millwall at the weekend.

Jason Knight's second-half goal gave Wayne Rooney his first win as a manager, and the England legend would have been even more satisfied with his side keeping a rare clean sheet.

Although Rooney will not get carried away with the success at The Den, the result moves Derby to within two points of 20th position, lofty heights when considering that they have spent almost the entire season in the bottom three.

Rooney will be realistic about his team's chances on Wednesday night, but being clear underdogs may suit a team who are looking to play with more freedom under their new interim boss.

Brentford Championship form: DDWWWD

Derby County Championship form: LLLDDW

Team News

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The extra day of recovery may lead to Rooney naming an unchanged Derby XI for this game.

However, Max Bird and Martyn Waghorn are both pushing for a chance after making an impact off the substitutes' bench against Millwall.

Brentford boss Frank will likely hand a recall to Bryan Mbuemo, potentially in place of Marcus Forss.

Emiliano Marcondes is also in contention for a starting spot, but Christian Norgaard remains absent through injury.

Brentford possible starting lineup:
Raya; Dalsgaard, Pinnock, Jansson, Henry; Dasilva, Jensen, Janelt; Canos, Toney, Mbuemo

Derby County possible starting lineup:
Marshall; Byrne, Davies, Clarke, Forsyth; Bird, Bielik; Jozwiak, Knight, Waghorn; Kazim-Richards

We say: Brentford 3-1 Derby County

While Derby will undoubtedly be on a high after their success at the weekend, Brentford will be motivated to put things right after dropping two points against Blackburn. With that in mind, expect the Bees to be more ruthless than in previous games, particularly against opponents who may set up looking for a draw.

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