Meetings between the two clubs haven't been regular in recent times, though.

Last season, when they both won promotion from the Championship, was only the second time they'd been in the same division sine 1997-98.

"I am sure that they look and think that they are a bigger club and better team than us. That is said with the biggest respect," says Bees boss Thomas Frank.

"I tried to count how many Premier League games their last starting line-up had played and then counted how many we had played.

"I then counted the value of the two teams and then there’s the experience of the grand maestro Claudio Ranieri who is a Premier League winner and me, a young Dane."

Tonight's game is a familiar one between these two clubs - but an unfamiliar one in the English top-flight.

In fact, it is the first time they have met in the top division!

All 73 of their previous meetings have been in the second, third or four tier, with a few cup matches thrown in too.

Image source, Getty Images

This Watford fan is certainly buzzing.

Image source, Getty Images

Brentford were denied victory last week by a late Leeds equaliser which means they have now won only one of their past eight league games.

They will still be happy with their haul of 17 points from their first 15 league games, though. Their target this season was to stay up and, when I watch them, I think they are going to be OK.

Out of the two teams it is Watford who need the win more, but it feels like it is a toss of a coin as to whether they play well or not.

They weren't expected to get anything against Manchester City, but this is different. They will probably think they can win it, and if they play a bit more open then that might suit Brentford.

It will be close but I fancy Brentford to sneak it at home - after all this is the Bees versus the Hornets, so the place will be buzzing.

Prediction: 2-1

Lawro's full predictions v Idles bassist Adam Devonshire

Arsenal. Manchester United. Leicester. Chelsea. Manchester City.

A tough run of games for Watford, yielding the win against United and defeats in the rest.

You feel this is the sort of game which they need to grab at least a point.

Always great to see a Del Boy-style sheepskin at a football ground. Kudos to the Bees fan, just spotted fist-bumping Thomas Frank, wearing it.

Not many other fans already in the stands. Hopefully the rest are warming up with a cup of a boiling meat extract drink.

Measures to combat coronavirus will be again in force at Brentford tonight after the Premier League told its 20 clubs to return to emergency measures in light of new Covid rules in England.

The protocols, which include social distancing, were brought in at the start of the season.

Clubs with high vaccination rates had relaxed some of the measures but must now reimpose restrictions to help limit the spread of the Omicron variant.

Fans going to the Brentford Community Stadium tonight have been urged by the home club to follow public health guidance and wear a face covering on public transport and in crowded areas to reduce the spread of the virus. Spot checks on Covid status are also being carried out.

That's the second successive game where Brentford have had a key player ruled out because of Covid. Striker Ivan Toney missed the Leeds game on Sunday and remains out tonight, too.

Ethan Pinnock is out because he has tested positive for Covid-19, says Brentford boss Thomas Frank.

There are three changes to the Brentford side from their 2-2 draw with Leeds.

Mathias Jensen and Yoane Wissa start. Ethan Pinnock isn't in the squad. Sergi Canos is suspended.

Brentford XI: Fernandez, Henry, Goode, Norgaard, Jensen, Wissa, Jansson, Mbeumo, Baptiste, Janelt, Roerslev.

Subs: Coz, Thompson, Forss, Ghoddos, Onyeka, Bidstrup, Sorensen, Stevens, Young-Coombes.

Image source, BBC Sport

Watford boss Claudio Ranieri has also made three changes from the 3-1 defeat to Manchester City.

Jeremy Ngakia, Cucho Hernández and Juraj Kucka come into the side, replacing Joao Pedro, Danny Rose and Imran Louza.

Watford XI: Bachmann, Ngakia, Ekong, King, Cleverley, Cathcart, Sissoko, Femenia, Dennis, Hernandez, Kucka.

Subs: Elliot, Rose, Louza, Pedro, Sema, Fletcher, Tufan, Kabasele, Angelini.

Image source, BBC Sport

Something that is hot is the team news. Hot off the press...

Not the coldest it's been at a Premier League ground this week, I'm sure, but it's definitely the sort of night in Brentford where you need two pairs of socks.

How many layers on top? Hmmm, I'm a four-layer guy. Plus hat or scarf. Unless it's below freezing then the woolly-double is acceptable.

Image source, BBC Weather

Think they are examples of what the soc med execs call 'wholesome content'.

Who wants more pics of Premier League footballers looking happy in Christmas jumpers? Thought so...

Brentford have no new injury concerns, although Ivan Toney will miss a second successive match because of a positive test for Covid-19.

Sergi Canos is suspended after he received a fifth booking of the season during the draw at Leeds United.

Watford have been boosted by the news that Adam Masina will only miss "a short period" with the thigh strain sustained against Chelsea.

Ken Sema is back in full training after a knee problem and could be involved.

Thomas Frank and Claudio Ranieri have both scrawled their starting XIs on to the teamsheets, popping into Michael Oliver's office and already handing them over.

Ten minutes until all is revealed to us.

Here's what we know so far...

Hello! Apparently it is Christmas Jumper Day. Wish I'd realised earlier. Could have added one on in the layering-up process, also saving a bob or two on the heating.

Brentford and Watford didn't forget. Both sets of players have been getting into the festive spirit today, as you can see from the opening post.

One or two maybe tempted to stick a woolly sweater underneath their kit tonight.

It looks BRICK in Brentford.

Ah, Friday nights in December.

Usually the time for workmates to decamp and decant in their local town centre, the shackles coming off for those who emerge into the tinsel-tinged chaos for that one big night out of the year.

Of course, the festivities aren't in full swing again this year :(

...but don't fear! We can have our own festive Friday football fun. Fantabulosa!

Dress code? Only one option...