Brentford vs Ipswich preview - Kerschbaumer set for Bees bow

Konstantin Kerschbaumer should partner Toumani Diagouraga in Brentford's new-look midfield for the Sky Bet Championship opener against Ipswich.

Austrian holding midfielder Kerschbaumer joined the Bees from Admira Wacker this summer and will be charged with offsetting the loss of fellow new signing Josh McEachran, out for three months with a broken foot.

Former Kaiserslautern striker Philipp Hofman and Denmark forward Lasse Vibe should also feature in the Griffin Park clash.

Club-record signing Andreas Bjelland is also in line for his competitive debut, with the 26-year-old Denmark star set to line up in defence.

Former Brentford captain Jonathan Douglas is in line to make his debut for Ipswich against the club that froze him out this summer.

The 33-year-old midfielder was deemed surplus to requirements when the Bees opted for a change in philosophy and despite barely playing for his old team in their pre-season friendlies, Tractor Boys boss Mick McCarthy expects Douglas to be fit enough to feature.

Brett Pitman will also hope to feature despite sustaining bruising on his foot in a friendly late last month, with McCarthy confirming the issue was not serious, however Luke Hyam (knee) suffered a setback recently in his recovery.

He and Douglas will not be the only newcomers hoping to make their bows as Ryan Fraser, Jonas Knudsen, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Larsen Toure and Giles Coke also bid to make a good first impression.