West Hamvs.Brentford

The Bees' number-one shot-stopper missed the 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur two weekends ago due to a side strain, offering Hakon Valdimarsson a rare opportunity in between the sticks.

However, Frank stressed at the time that his problem was only a "little" one, and Flekken's expected return would leave Brentford without five longer-term absentees for the derby battle.

Aaron Hickey (thigh), Igor Thiago (knee), Gustavo Nunes (back), Rico Henry (thigh) and Josh Dasilva (knee) remain in the infirmary, and the former's absence could see Michael Kayode come in for a first Premier League start.

The Fiorentina loanee completed 18 minutes of the loss to Spurs and is now an option to displace Kristoffer Ajer, but Nathan Collins, Sepp van den Berg and Keane Lewis-Potter should all continue at the back.

Christian Norgaard and Vitaly Janelt's midfield partnership is unlikely to be broken up either, and the front four of Yoane Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo, Kevin Schade and Mikkel Damsgaard should remain untouched too.

Mbeumo's next goal contribution would be his 18th in the current Premier League campaign - representing a personal best for a single season - and each of his last four involvements have come away from home.

Brentford possible starting lineup:

Flekken; Kayode, Collins, Van den Berg, Lewis-Potter; Norgaard, Janelt; Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Schade; Wissa

Written by

Ben Knapton