Josh Stephenson previews Brentford U21 v QPR at the Gtech | OneFootball

Almost a year after joining Brentford from Millwall, Josh Stephenson continues to impress in west London.

The defender played a key role in last season’s Professional Development League title win and has carried that form into the new campaign under Sam Saunders.

Brentford Under-21s now prepare for a west London derby as they face Queens Park Rangers at Gtech Community Stadium on Tuesday 14 October (7pm kick-off BST) in the PDL.

For Stephenson, it’s another opportunity to build on his progress and test himself in one of the biggest fixtures of the season.

"It’s been amazing, I feel like I’ve developed so much as a player," he reflected on his first year with the Bees.

"The club have been really good to me and I’m really happy with the progress I’ve made so far."

The B team are in fine form in the PDL, winning four games in a row, most recently beating Colchester 3-2 away from home.

"It’s been a good start to the season. The team’s doing well, and I think individually I’ve done well so it has been a strong start for sure," added Stephenson.

"We struggled a bit in pre-season with results, but we’ve really hit a good patch now. It was always going to take a little bit of time with Sam Saunders' ideas being implemented but it’s been seamless and now we’re in a good place."

Last time out, the Bees fell to a frustrating 1-0 defeat to Exeter City in their Premier League Cup opener at St James Park.

"We had a little blip there and we need to put it right against QPR. We dominated the game, but it was one of those games where if you don’t take your chances, it’s always possible to be punished," Stephenson explained.

"We gave a set-piece away and that’s where they would have wanted to create their chances from, and they score. You have to learn from it and I’m sure in the next game we’ll be more clinical. We play them again soon and we’re determined to get it right."

The B team have been a younger side this season, with the likes of Luka Bentt and Michel Boni stepping up from the Under-18s and making their mark.

"When I joined last year, I was one of the younger ones. This year I’m hoping to take that leadership role in my stride," said Stephenson.

"I know what it’s like being younger and having to step up, so I'm trying to make sure that everyone feels comfortable and is in the perfect place to show their abilities."

Having lost to QPR at Loftus Road in the Premier League Cup final last season, Stephenson is acutely aware of what the rivalry means to the red and white side of west London.

"The final, although we lost, was an important experience. There were about 7,000 fans there and we know it’s always going to be a good turnout in this derby," recalled Stephenson.

"Everyone wants to put that defeat right. It hurt. The vibe after the game was hard and we want to make it right for ourselves and the fans.

"We really had the Premier League Cup as our main target throughout the season. For us to get that far and not go the whole way, there’s extra fire in the belly to go and beat them this time round."

Stephenson and the rest of the squad always cherish the opportunity to play at Brentford’s home.

"There’s always a good turnout at Gtech. It’s a great pitch and a great stadium to showcase our ability,” he explained.

"The main plan is obviously to break through at Brentford and play for the first team at the Gtech, so it’s great to have the chance here to play in front of the fans and see that pathway hopefully to the Premier League."

About Queens Park Rangers U21s

QPR U21s are currently 15th in the table, having picked up one win, three draws and two losses so far this season.

Their most recent outing ended in a 4-0 home defeat to fifth-placed Swansea City in the Professional Development League.

The side will be looking to build on their performances as the campaign progresses, with several promising displays already showing signs of progress despite mixed results.

Last season, the young Hoops finished 10th, recording eight wins, four draws and 19 defeats from 31 matches.

They enjoyed success, though, in the Premier League Cup, beating Brentford 2-1 at Loftus Road to lift the trophy, which is the most recent game between the two sides.

Match coverage

The club will have updates of the game against QPR on social media, as well as a match report and highlights on the club's official website and app. The game will also be streamed on the club website.

Tickets for the game are still available and can be secured here.