Brentford look to kick-start 2021 with victory over out of sorts Bristol City

Brentford had a magnificent 2020 despite narrowly missing out on a place in the Premier League after losing to Fulham at Wembley. They currently sit in second place as we go into the second half of the Championship season.

The Bees have improved in recent months, embarking an unbeaten run of 16 games across all competitions which has seen them sit just three points behind Norwich City after 22 matches.

They face a Bristol City side this weekend who have really struggled in recent times, losing four of their last five which has seen them slip to ninth in the table, out of the play off places by four points.

Thomas Frank’s side have been imperious in December and this continued on Wednesday evening when they came from behind to see off promotion rivals Bournemouth 2-1 at the Brentford Community Stadium.

While Brentford have been superb in the league this season, they have also knocked off Premier League sides in this season’s Carabao Cup, Southampton, West Brom, Fulham and Newcastle United have all been seen off and after the visit of the Robins, Frank’s side face Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham Hotspur in the last four.

The two sides met twice last season with Brentford wining 4-0 at Ashton Gate on New Years Day last year, while the other meeting saw the two teams play out a 1-1 draw at Griffin Park.

Depending on results elsewhere, the Bees could move into top position of the table having had a remarkable run of results in recent times.

To make life even more difficult for Dean Holden’s side, they will have to make do without influential winger Callum O’Dowda for two months after sustaining a hamstring injury in the 2-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

The 25-year-old is set to meet with a specialist next week to discover the best way for the club to go through his rehab and as a result, have recalled Owura Edwards and James Morton from season long loan deals at fourth tier Grimsby Town.

Holden has spoken to BBC Radio Bristol about how much of a loss O’Dowda will be for the club moving forward.

“We’re going to miss him, he’s been an important player this season.

“But as I always say, it’s up to the next man to step up, come into the team and take the opportunity.”

Will it be Brentford who extend their 16 match unbeaten run against the Robins, or will Holden’s men cause a surprise a claim their first victory since their 1-0 win at QPR on December 1st.

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