Brentford v QPR: five key battles

Brentford face QPR in a west London derby tonight. Here are five potential battles we think could be all-important at Griffin Park.

Jake Bidwell v Matt Phillips
Phillips has flattered to deceive this season and Rangers will need him to deliver in what could be an interesting battle with Bees skipper Bidwell, who as well as being defensively strong likes to get forward – and the R’s have had problems at right-back.

Toumani Diagouraga v Karl Henry
Chris Ramsey faces a tough decision. The out-of-form Henry’s confidence is low and he was barracked by QPR fans last time out, but he could be needed in what promises to be a frenetic derby. Diagouraga has had no such problems. He remains a key man in Brentford’s midfield and will be determined to impose himself.

Tjaronn Chery v Harlee Dean/James Tarkowski
Not a direct battle, but Brentford can be caused some problems when their full-backs push forward and opposition teams manage to drag centre-backs Dean and Tarkowski into wide positions and isolate them one-on-one. Chery, assuming he keeps his place, is excellent at picking up space and Rangers will need to counter-attack effectively to maximise their chances.

Alan Judge v QPR’s centre-backs
Again, not a direct battle, but one that could prove to be crucial. Rangers, with Clint Hill restored to the heart of their defence, have steadied the ship with back-to-back clean sheets. They’ll need to maintain that improvement because previously the R’s have been diabolical at defending balls into the box. Judge’s delivery is usually outstanding and is likely test the visitors.

Lee Carsley v Chris Ramsey
Brentford have been flying under recently-installed head coach Carsley, winning three matches on the trot. Ramsey on the other hand badly needs to get something from this game and cannot afford a repeat of QPR’s recent derby debacle at Fulham.