Stoke City and Brentford meet in the Championship on Saturday afternoon with just one point separating the two clubs in the standings.
While the visitors have prevailed in their last two outings, the home side are currently on a four-match unbeaten run in the second tier.
Match preview
© Reuters
When Brentford conceded four times in 18 second-half minutes against Preston North End before the international break, it left Thomas Frank with much to ponder during the time away from action.
Although there would have been fears that the magnitude of the setback would hinder their development, Brentford have responded with successive wins against Coventry City and Sheffield Wednesday.
Each victory was far from routine with the Bees reliant on doubles from Ivan Toney, who has now netted seven times in his last four outings in the Championship.
Nevertheless, the summer signing's goal spree has kept Brentford up with the early pacesetters at a time when they must adapt to the departure of key man Said Benrahma.
Albeit in a different position, Vitaly Janelt has made an instant impact since arriving from Vfl Bochum at the start of the month, playing a key role in central midfield on his full debut against Sheffield Wednesday.
Facing Stoke represents a different challenge for Brentford, especially when Michael O'Neill's men nullified the promotion hopefuls at the back end of last season.
Stoke have only built on their 1-0 success at the bet365 Stadium, suffering just one defeat from 11 matches in all competitions since the middle of July.
Despite registering three draws from their six league games this season, the Potters have done enough to move themselves into 10th place, just two points adrift of the playoffs.
O'Neill would have been desperately disappointed to only draw with Barnsley in midweek, although positives will be taken from seeing out the remaining half hour at a man disadvantage.
Stoke City Championship form: DLWDWD
Stoke City form (all competitions): WWWDWD
Brentford Championship form: LWDLWW
Brentford form (all competitions): DDWLWW
Team News
© Reuters
Danny Batth is expected to be drafted into the Stoke XI as a replacement for Nathan Collins, who sits out the game through suspension.
Despite replacing each of his front three against Barnsley, O'Neill could retain their services for this game.
Tom Ince will hope to be involved for a second fixture in succession after making his first appearance of the season on Wednesday.
Mads Bech Sorensen will come into the Brentford backline after Pontus Jansson suffered a hamstring injury in midweek.
The rest of the team is likely to remain the same, although Sergi Canos is an alternative for Bryan Mbuemo or Saman Ghoddos.
Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Davies; Batth, Souttar, Chester; Smith, Mikel, Thompson, Tymon; Powell, Fletcher, Campbell
Brentford possible starting lineup:
Raya; Dalsgaard, Sorensen, Pinnock, Henry; Dasilva, Janelt, Jensen; Mbuemo, Toney, Ghoddos
We say: Stoke City 1-1 Brentford
Stoke were uncharacteristically poor in defence in midweek, but that may only result in a much-improved performance when faced with stronger opposition. With that in mind, we feel that the Potters will do enough to claim a share of the spoils against the Bees.
