Some of the Derby stars who helped hammer Brentford in last season's Capital One Cup will be out to do the same at Griffin Park tomorrow.
The Bees fielded a scratch side for that toe last August, while a Derby side packed full of internationals ran riot, winning 5-0 at Pride Park.
One of them, Chris Martin hit 25 goals last season, is already into double figures this time, and is likely to be a threat to the Bees, according to Chris Watson of the Derby Evening Telegraph .
"Chris is the is key to all things Derby do up front," he said. "For someone who joined Derby on a free transfer from Norwich, he has to be one of the all-time bargains in the Championship.”
Derby were struggling for a right-back to replace John Brayford after the latter’s switch to Cardiff in the summer of 2013, but appear to have finally struck pay-dirt with Cyrus Christie.
The 22-year-old made the move from Coventry, and has won recognition for his displays in defence.
"It was felt Christie was great at getting forward and supporting down the wing, but maybe wasn’t as strong defensively,"explained Watston. "But he’s shown his potential in that area as well, and looks a very solid acquisition."
The biggest threat, however, could come from star-studded teenager Will Hughes, scorer of the vital England goal in the U21 Euro qualifier against Croatia earlier this month.
As Watson points out, Premier League scouts fill their notebooks every time the 19-year-old sets foot on a pitch, and the Bees will do well to keep him under wraps.
Keep up to date with all the build-up, matchday and post-game reaction to Brentfrod v Derby right here on GetWestLondon.
