Brentford v Bristol City preview
Friday 19 October 2018 11:26, UK
New Brentford head coach Thomas Frank will take charge of the team for the first time when Bristol City visit Griffin Park for their Sky Bet Championship clash.
Frank stepped up from his assistant role following the departure of Dean Smith to Aston Villa. Defender Chris Mepham continues to be assessed having returned early from international duty with Wales after picking up an unspecified fitness problem.
Midfielder Emiliano Marcondes (foot) remains sidelined along with young striker Marcus Forss (back). Defender Rico Henry has now stepped up his rehabilitation after knee surgery late last year.
Bristol City are set to hand a first Championship start to young goalkeeper Max O'Leary. The 22-year-old academy graduate will step in as Niki Maenpaa is sidelined for at least a month with an abductor strain and Frank Fielding has viral meningitis.
Midfielder Callum O'Dowda is expected to be available following assessments for concussion. Korey Smith continues his recovery following surgery on a knee problem.
Opta stats
Brentford are unbeaten in eight league games against Bristol City (W6 D2 L0) since a 1-0 defeat in League One in March 2007, a game which featured current Robins boss Lee Johnson.
Bristol City haven't won an away league match at Brentford since September 2005, winning 3-2 in League One.
Since the start of last season, Brentford have dropped 37 points from winning positions in the Championship - six more than any other side; the Bees have lost the most points from winning positions this season (11).
Bristol City manager Lee Johnson has never won in seven league managerial meetings with Brentford (P7 W0 D3 L4).
Neal Maupay has had a hand in 13 goals in the Championship for Brentford this season (10 goals, 3 assists) - four more than any other player.
Bristol City have won just two of their last 20 away games in all competitions (D8 L10).
Prutton's prediction
David Prutton predicts: 2-2 (14/1 with Sky Bet)
