Preview: Brentford vs. Bournemouth

Brentford have been handed a difficult challenge as they look to put a difficult week behind them ahead of the visit of fellow promotion hopefuls Bournemouth.

After days of speculation it was finally confirmed that Mark Warburton would leave the club at the end of the season due to Brentford's reported decision to head in a different direction with a new philosophy.

The decision comes as a surprise to most, and as a disappointment to Brentford fans who watched Warburton guide their side to promotion last season before turning them into genuine contenders for a place in the Premier League.

Speculation didn't help the squad last weekend as they slipped to a shock 3-0 defeat to Charlton Athletic, and Warburton will be hopeful that he can get the team back on track in the latter stages of his reign.

Seventh-placed Brentford head into Saturday's game just one point outside the playoff places, and the challenge of playing Bournemouth arrives after a run of three defeats in their previous four games.

Bournemouth are looking to reclaim top spot in the Championship after falling behind Middlesbrough without playing a game in midweek.

Just eight points currently separate the top seven in the table, and Eddie Howe will be desperate to follow two draws with a morale-boosting victory as they look to hit top form at a crucial stage in the season.

There could be changes for the hosts as Jon Toral and Tommy Smith both push for recalls to the starting lineup, while Howe is likely to stick with the same side which drew 1-1 with Huddersfield Town last weekend.

Brentford:

Recent form: WWLWLL

Possible starting lineup: Button, Craig, Dean, Douglas, Odubajo, Gray, Diagouraga, Pritchard, Toral, Smith, Yennaris

Bournemouth:

Form in Championship: WLWWDD Form in all competitions: LLWWDD

Possible starting lineup: Boruc, Smith, Elphick, Cook, Daniels, Pugh, Surman, Arter, Ritchie, Kermorgant, Wilson

Sports Mole says: 1-2