Preview: Brentford vs. Swansea City - prediction, team news, lineups

Swansea City square off against Brentford in the Championship on Tuesday evening looking to strengthen their hold of second position in the standings.

Meanwhile, the Bees head into the contest having ended a two-game winless streak with a comfortable victory over Luton Town at the weekend.

Match preview

Three months on from their Championship playoff semi-final, Brentford and Swansea are showing signs of being well-equipped to launch another bid for promotion to the Premier League.

Although Brentford have not been able to show the same kind of consistency as their next opponents, a return of 10 points from their last five matches has kept them in the mix.

Swansea have not always produced the goods in the final third since the start of September, but Steve Cooper has put together a well-balanced squad at the Liberty Stadium.

The style and mentality of the two clubs should make for an intriguing encounter, particularly with the Bees having rediscovered their ruthless touch against Luton Town in their last outing.

Many would have expected the resilient Hatters to make Brentford work hard for the three points, but Thomas Frank witnessed his side cruise to victory at Kenilworth Road.

Ivan Toney's ninth goal in the Championship this season has ensured that he will retain the number nine spot for the foreseeable future, although he is coming under increasing pressure from young Finnish striker Marcus Forss.

The 21-year-old's effort against Luton has taken him to four goals from 111 minutes in the second tier, a strike rate which is by far and away the best in the division.

In sharp contrast to Brentford's frontline, the only Swansea player to contribute more than two goals this season is Andre Ayew, who netted his fourth of the season against Blackburn Rovers.

However, Swansea are churning out results due to the performances of their backline, with Ryan Bennett currently proving to be the ideal replacement for Joe Rodon.

Cooper has also moved away from naming a settled XI without it having a detrimental effect on results, something which will fill him with optimism ahead of the coming months.

Brentford Championship form: LWWLDW

Swansea City Championship form: WLDDWW

Team News

Cooper may bring Bennett back into the Swansea defence, potentially at the expense of Kyle Naughton.

Unless Kasey Palmer is provided with an opportunity ahead of Yan Dhanda, the rest of the side could remain the same.

Barring any late fitness issues, Frank may opt against making any changes to his Brentford XI.

Mathias Jensen could be considered for a recall if Frank wants fresh legs in midfield.

Even if he is able to shake off a hamstring problem, Pontus Jansson is unlikely to be drafted straight back into the starting lineup.

Brentford possible starting lineup: Raya; Dalsgaard, Pinnock, Sorensen, Henry; Dasilva, Janelt, Marcondes; Mbuemo, Toney, Canos

Swansea City possible starting lineup: Woodman; Bennett, Cabango, Guehi; Roberts, Fulton, Smith, Bidwell; Dhanda; Ayew, Lowe

We say: Brentford 2-1 Swansea City

Given Brentford's inconsistent form, many will back Swansea to avoid defeat on their trip to the capital. However, now that all eyes are not on the Bees, expect Frank's side to improve over the coming weeks, continuing with a hard-fought victory over one of their promotion rivals.

Top betting tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data