Neil MacFarlane’s Brentford Under-21s head east on Tuesday for their first clash of the season against Charlton Athletic Under-21s (1pm kick-off).

The Professional Development League (PDL) contest continues a busy games schedule for the young Bees, who have balanced PDL and Premier League Cup action so far this season.

While wins haven’t consistently been produced, top performances with a string of injuries to squad members has been pleasing for MacFarlane, a sign that results will come Brentford’s way in the coming games.

Benjamin Arthur and Benjamin Fredrick returned from injury last time out, the two players key parts of MacFarlane’s backline last season who will be instrumental again this campaign.

Last time out

The young Bees fell to a 1-0 defeat at Wheatsheaf Park against Cardiff City Under-21s in their last contest.

MacFarlane’s side played superbly through a busy schedule the week prior. They lost to Chelsea Under-21s 6-3 on 15 September and backed it up with a strong performance against Hull City Under-21s two days later and despite equalising in the second half, eventually went down 2-1 away from home.

Isaac Holland scored in both games as he produced two of his best performances in Brentford colours, while Ashley Hay continued last season’s good goalscoring form with a brace against Chelsea.

About Charlton Athletic

Charlton come into the clash top of the south group table in the PDL, with six wins and a draw from their seven games so far.

Their 19 points and +22 goal differential are both ranked first across the south and north groups.

Following four league wins to start the season, the young Addicks drew 1-1 with Crew, however have rebounded to beat Sheffield Wednesday 5-0 and Watford 3-2 in recent weeks.

Match coverage

The club will have updates of the match against Charlton U21s on social media, as well as a match report on the official website and our new official app.