Brentford vs Middlesbrough preview - Bees set to be unchanged

Posted Thursday, May 07, 2015 by PA

Brentford's starting line-up is likely to be unchanged when they host Middlesbrough in the first leg of the Championship play-off semi-final.

Boss Mark Warburton is set to stick with the side which beat Wigan 3-0 on the final day of the season to clinch their place in the top six.

There could be a change on the bench, however, if on-loan Everton striker Chris Long can overcome the leg injury which has kept him on the sidelines for a month.

Back-up goalkeeper Richard Lee is back from a loan spell at Fulham and is available but Will Grigg and Nick Proschwitz, who have also been out on loan, will not be involved while fellow striker Scott Hogan (knee) remains a long-term injury absentee.

Middlesbrough full-back George Friend will return to the squad after missing 0-0 draw against Brighton through suspension.

Striker Patrick Bamford is expected to be available after sitting out last weekend because of a persistent ankle problem, having trained this week after a scan showed no lasting damage.

However, central defender Jonathan Woodgate remains a doubt as he continues his recovery from a hamstring injury, although he too is close to being available once again.

Head coach Aitor Karanka otherwise has a relatively full squad from which to choose with only long-term absentees Damia Abella (knee) and Rhys Williams (Achilles) still sidelined.