While midfielder Chris Brandon is back in the squad after proving his own recovery from illness by playing for the Reserves at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday, Jackson looks likely to keep the team which gave Bristol City a big fright.

That means a centre-field quartet of Schofield, Gary Taylor-Fletcher, Michael Collins and Matt Young in front of a defence in which loan men Frank Sinclair and Andy Taylor will make home debuts.

"I've been more than pleased with our midfield of late," added Jackson.

"With this formation, we have energy, workrate, pace and creativity, and it's served us well in recent games.

"We need to keep things going, because with nine points up for grabs over the next eight days, the table could look very different come the end of the Crewe match."

Brentford are in the thick of a battle against relegation, but have won their last two matches, against Blackpool and Brighton, and Jackson noted: "Like ourselves, they will go into the game with confidence.

"Neil Shipperley has made a big impact since signing from Sheffield United last month, and by all accounts, has formed a useful partnership with Jo Kuffour.

"Kuffour played well against us when he was at Torquay, and he scored both goals for Brentford when we drew down there this season, so he's one we're wary of.

"As ever, keeping a clean sheet is crucial, and I was delighted with the way Frank Sinclair and David Mirfin operated alongside each other last week.

"They kept Bristol City's forwards pretty quiet and it's very important they do the same thing tomorrow."

Also crucial for Town is that they avoid suspensions, with Sinclair, Mirfin and Schofield all one caution off a one-match ban.

If they can make it through the next three games without a further yellow card, that threat will disappear.

Brentford have French midfielder Thomas Pinault back after a one-game ban while experienced goalkeeper Stuart Nelson proved his recovery from an ankle injury during a midweek friendly against Grays Athletic.

Griffin Park manager Scott Fitzgerald, who gave former Town left-back Robbie Ryan a trial in the Grays game, has yet to decide whether to recall Nelson in place of Nathan Abbey.