Brentford v Middlesbrough: Bees duo and Boro star to miss out

Brentford manager Thomas Frank will be without Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins for the visit of Middlesbrough to Griffin Park.

Both are injured while Romaine Sawyers is suspended following his fifth yellow card of the season in the 3-2 defeat at QPR.

Kamohelo Mokotjo will have his fitness assessed ahead of the game. Chris Mepham, Emiliano Marcondes, Rico Henry and leading scorer Neal Maupay are all available for selection.

Ryan Shotton has resumed training for Middlesbrough, but this game comes too soon for the full-back.

Shotton has not played since injuring his knee against Sheffield Wednesday six games ago. Shotton is the only player missing from Pulis’ squad but Martin Braithwaite, George Saville and Mo Besic will be assessed after the international break.

Last season: Brentford 1 Middlesbrough 1, Middlesbrough 2 Brentford 2

Last five league matches: Brentford L L L W L; Middlesbrough W D D D W

Top scorers: Neal Maupay (Brentford) 12; Ashley Fletcher, Jordan Hugill & Martin Braithwaite (Middlesbrough) 3

Match odds: Brentford, 27-20 Boro 11-5, Draw 9-4

Referee: John Brooks (Leicestershire)