Brentford take on top the table Middlesbrough amid speculation surrounding some of their better players moving on during the transfer window.
Star names James Tarkowski and Alan Judge have both been linked with moves away from Griffin Park already, while Andre Gray moved on back in the summer.
Their form however has been pretty impressive, and they remain a healthy 10th in The Championship, sitting comfortably away from relegation and still with a small shout of the play-offs.
Aitor Karanka’s Middlesbrough side have taken the league by storm in contrast, amassing 52 points already and sitting four points clear of second placed Derby County, with a crucial game in hand.
A tricky trip to Griffin Park waits though, and Boro will be hoping for no slip ups.
Here, I detail THREE things to look out for in what is sure to be an entertaining fixture.....
1) The early away goal
Such is Middlesbrough’s defensive dominance this season; they have taken to breaking in to mass celebration if they manage to break the deadlock.
This was prevalent in the recent fixture against Sheffield Wednesday, where after going 1-0 up inside the first two minutes, they went on the see out the game comfortably without worry.
If Brentford are to get a result, they must prevent Boro nabbing the first goal. If they do concede first, it could well be a long night for The Bees.
2) Alan Judge
The Brentford playmaker has been a real bright spark this campaign, scoring and assisting goals in equal measure to attract attention from both Championship and Premier League clubs alike.
If The Bees are to have a chance of securing the victory, they will need Judge in top form as they look to break down Boro’s solid back line.
If Judge can use his trickery and vision to create a few openings, then Brentford may just fancy pinching a result.
3) A signal of intent
If Middlesbrough can produce the type of performance they have so consistently already this season, then they will be confident of walking away from Griffin Park with the three points.
With Hull playing the day after, coming away with the victory will mean they can open an eight point gap up over third placed Hull City in the race for promotion, meaning the pressure is back on The Tigers.
Karanka will be hoping another victory can provide his players with the confidence to push on even further in the second half of the season and secure promotion back to the big time.