QPR are set for a tough night at Loftus Road as they prepare to face west London rivals Brentford in the Carabao Cup.

But what can the Hoops expect from the Bees? We asked Get West London's Brentford reporter Tom Moore for the lowdown on tonight's opponents.

Transfer business

Brentford's transfer business has, so far, been excellent. They have added quality options up front with the captures of Ollie Watkins and Neal Maupay particularly notable. The Bees have also kept hold of their leading players from last season, so far, including Spanish wing wizard Jota who gave former Brentford skipper Jake Bidwell a torrid time at Griffin Park last season.

Form

Results haven't married up with performances. Brentford have dominated games but efficiency in both boxes has let them down. Both Bristol City goalkeeper Frank Fielding and Ipswich custodian Bartosz Bialkowski were impressive against them in the past week. When it clicks, Brentford will put a team a team to the sword and go on a winning run. They have the quality to be a top six side; the luck and cutting edge has deserted them so far.

Key player

Jota, if he shakes off his back injury, is a key player for Brentford. The Spaniard shone against QPR at Griffin Park last season, scoring twice. Ollie Watkins has made the step up from League Two to the Championship look like a piece of cake.

Formation/system

Brentford line up in a 4-3-3 formation and look to play fluid, passing football. They have bossed possession in most games, whether it's at home or away. Dean Smith will make changes tonight and

Team news

Brentford have had a few injury issues with Jota (back), Rico Henry (knee), Sergi Canos (ankle), Josh McEachran (foot), Neal Maupay (foot) and Lasse Vibe (heel) while Ryan Woods has been on compassionate leave after he and his partner lost their baby. It's unclear whether they will be risked at Loftus Road. If not, I expect to see a side along the lines of: Luke Daniels, Maxime Colin, John Egan, Andreas Bjelland, Ilias Chatzitheodoridis, Kamo Mokotjo, Romaine Sawyers, Nico Yennaris, Josh Clarke, Justin Shaibu and Florian Jozefzoon.

Score prediction

2-1 Brentford.

The Bees' bad luck has to end soon and I fancy them to give their supporters something to smile about ahead of Saturday's more important game with Wolves.