Brentford have found out their schedule for the 2016/17 Championship season and they will be facing Huddersfield on the opening day.

It promises to be another exciting season with two former European champions, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest, competing in the second tier.

Not only that but Villans boss Roberto Di Matteo lifted the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, while Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez did the same with Liverpool in 2005.

There are two west London derbies to look forward to against QPR and Fulham as Dean Smith's side look to improve on last campaign's ninth placed finish.

Below we look at five key fixtures for Brentford that will go a long way to determining whether they can do so and it appears that October is a critical month for the Bees.

Huddersfield Town (A) - August 6

Making a positive start to the league campaign is always crucial and the opening day fixture against Huddersfield is no different.

Brentford have not had the best of records on the opening day in recent years, last triumphing against Yeovil in 2011 on the first day of the season.

The Bees triumphed 5-1 at the John Smith's Stadium in the final game of the 2015/16 season and if they can open their next campaign in the same manner it'd be a great start.

Newcastle (A) - October 15

St James' Park today. It was re-developed in its current form in 2000
St James' Park

Brentford's first meeting with Newcastle since 2001 is one that has excited the fanbase and supporters will want to see the Bees produce a good showing.

The Magpies are one of the favourites for promotion and this match will be a strong test of Brentford's credentials, while also being able to cope against one of the largest clubs in the country.

The game comes after the international break, meaning it is crucial to make a strong start. It was at this point last season when the Bees started playing some excellent football under Lee Carsley.

Derby (A) - October 18

Off the back of a long trip to Newcastle, the Bees then have a Tuesday night game at the iPro Stadium.

In Brentford's first Championship season, they claimed four points off the Rams, however they were beaten in both games last season.

The 2-0 defeat at the iPro Stadium was a low point as the Bees would test Scott Carson at all and Derby could have had as many goals as they liked.

Nigel Pearson's side are one of the favourites for promotion so this will be a good test to see where Dean Smith's side really are.

QPR (A) - October 29

Tunnel vision: The view players get as they enter the pitch at Loftus Road

The first game against your rivals is always pivotal and the Bees must avenge the 3-0 mauling that was issued to them at Loftus Road in March.

Rangers have cut their budget but Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink looked as if he was putting the club in a better place at the back end of last season.

Fulham (H) - November 5

Brentford have had a good record against Fulham in the last two years in the league and they will look to keep that going this time around.

It is imperative that bragging rights are maintained as, no matter what other results are, having one over your hated rivals raises morale.