Middlesbrough v Brentford - Free hit for the Boro as Neil Warnock eyes his options

Brentford extended their unbeaten run in the league to 19 games and moved to second in the table as they came from behind to beat Bristol City 3-2 in midweek.

Fortunes have differed for Boro in recent weeks, with Warnock’s side picking up just one point from their last three games.

That solitary point was at league leaders Norwich City but the Middlesbrough manager expects a tougher test against the Bees.

The London club have one of the most potent goal threats in the Championship in Ivan Toney, who netted his 20th goal of the season on Wednesday night.

“They are the best team in the league at the minute. To go 19 games unbeaten takes some doing in the Championship,” said Warnock.

“They have got goals from everywhere and the best striker in the division. It looks like they are only going to go one way but it is a great game for us.”

Warnock feels the game could almost be classed as a “free-hit” with Brentford sitting in the second automatic promotion spot.

They have scored 10 goals in their last two games as they recorded a thumping 7-2 win over Wycombe Wanderers last week.

However, Warnock is encouraged by the new-found depth in his side following the January transfer window, feeling he has more players who can make an impact from the bench.

Warnock added: “It promises to be a good battle. I know we are down the table in comparison to them. There have been times this season where I have looked round to change a game and it has been very difficult. Whereas now, everywhere I look, I have got options.”