Toney returns as Brentford face Forest in crucial relegation battle

Brentford will play host to Nottingham Forest in an intriguing encounter that could have ramifications on the relegation battle. Neither club has truly managed to distance themselves away from the bottom three and three points for either side today could turn out to be gold dust in the race to avoid the drop.

The Bees welcome back Ivan Toney following the forward’s eight-month ban for breaking the FA’s gambling rules. He will captain the side and manager Thomas Frank has backed the forward to regain his imperious form. Toney has been linked with a possible move away from Brentford during this window though he seems committed to helping the club out of their relegation trouble.

Forest, meanwhile, have the threat of sanctions looming over them for potentially breaching Profit and Sustainability rules. The club needs to distance themselves from the bottom three in case they get deducted points and they’ve made a bright start under Nuno Espirito Santo with wins over Newcastle and Manchester United.

Brentford have turned up the tempo and are winning repeated corners. Forest have, so far, been up to the task of keeping them at bay. The latest set piece is whipped over to the back post where Ivan Toney pulls the ball back into the middle. Keane Lewis-Potter drills a shot at goal, hits the underside of the bar and Forest get lucky as the ball bounces back into play.

There’s a buzz around the stadium again. The Brentford fans believe they can go on and win this game and much of that comes down to Ivan Toney being the man to score. Forest are playing nicely though, this is turning into a fine match.

Ivan Toney steps up to take the free kick. He drills it low around the wall and curls the ball into the near bottom corner. Brentford are level and Toney has his goal after eight months on the sidelines.

Mikkel Damsgaard weaves in from the right after a nice one-two and gets pulled down just outside the box by Orel Mangala. This is a big chance for Brentford.

Ryan Yates gets a shot away for Forest but pulls it wide of the far post. The visitors are certainly imposing themselves on this match now.