Preview: Brentford vs. Forest Green Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

Brentford begin their EFL Cup campaign at home to League Two side Forest Green Rovers on Tuesday evening.

The Bees went on their best ever run in the competition last season by reaching the semi-finals, while Rovers have never made it past the second round.

Match preview

© Reuters

Brentford knocked out Southampton, West Bromwich Albion, Fulham and Newcastle United on their way to the last four in 2020-21, before losing 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur.

It was a sign that they were ready for top-flight football and in May they secured promotion to the Premier League for the first time.

Thomas Frank will be happy with the way that his side have begun life in the promised land, as they have registered four points from two games following a brilliant 2-0 win over Arsenal and a goalless draw with Crystal Palace.

While survival will be the main priority for the Bees this season, another cup run certainly would not go a miss and they may take inspiration from Aston Villa who reached the final as a newly-promoted Premier League side two years ago.

Forest Green Rovers are the early pacesetters in League Two, having won all of their first four fixtures to sit top of the table.

Rob Edwards' side are yet to keep a clean sheet, but are in imperious form in front of goal, netting 13 times in the league so far.

Nicky Cadden scored a hat-trick as Rovers won 6-3 against Crawley Town on Saturday afternoon, opening the scoring inside the first minute.

The Gloucestershire outfit have already pulled off a cup shock this season, as they beat West country rivals Bristol City on penalties after drawing 2-2 in 90 minutes, with Regan Hendry scoring a 96th-minute equaliser.

This will be the first ever meeting between Brentford and Forest Green Rovers, as the visitors were only promoted to the Football League for the first time in 2017.

Team News

© Reuters

It seems likely that Thomas Frank will rotate his side on Tuesday night after an intense start to the Premier League campaign. There could be a debut for Spanish goalkeeper Alvaro Fernandez, on loan from Huesca, and fellow new arrival Yoane Wissa may be handed a first start.

It has been an incredible rise for centre-back Ethan Pinnock, who was part of the Forest Green Rovers side that won promotion to the Football League four years ago.

Forest Green should go with the core of the side that have made an electric start to the season in League Two.

Baily Cargill got his first start of the season on Saturday after recovering from injury, and should keep his place in west London. Jordan Moore-Taylor and Josh March are moving closer to being fit after also being on the sidelines.

No player in the Football League has more goals so far this season than Matty Stevens, who has struck five times in four games.

Brentford possible starting lineup:

Fernandez; Goode, Sorensen, Pinnock; Roerslev, Bidstrup, Janelt, Ghoddos, Henry; Wissa, Forss

Forest Green Rovers possible starting lineup:

McGee; Bernard, Sweeney, Cargill; Wilson, Stevenson, Hendry, Cadden; Adams; Matt, Stevens

We say: Brentford 2-1 Forest Green Rovers

There is certainly potential for an upset here, considering Rovers' brilliant start to the season and the fact that Brentford are likely to rotate. It should be a close, entertaining affair, but we think the Bees will have enough to progress.