The head coach kept top scorer Danny Welbeck on the bench throughout last Saturday’s FA Cup defeat at Liverpool.
Charalampos Kostoulas was given the chance of 90 minutes against Reds skipper Virgil Van Dijk.
Albion, without a goal in their last three games, now face a Brentford side who held Arsenal to a 1-1 draw on their last outing at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Asked whether he was protecting Welbeck at Anfield or giving Kostoulas an opportunity, Hurzeler said: “I think it was kind of both. Babis (Kostoulas) deserved a chance to play.
“And, on the other side, I think we have to manage Danny as well, so I think both reasons playing into this decision.
“But, overall, we are happy with both. They trained well.
“They showed good actions in the games, good actions in the training sessions, so it's good to have both available.”
Albion lost 1-0 to both Crystal Palace and Aston Villa ahead of their 3-0 cup reverse at Anfield.
They have had chances, most notably at Anfield, and rank seventh in the Premier League for touches in the opposition box.
Hurzeler said: “Of course, we know we need to score goals but, in the end, it's a balance between defensive stability, keeping a clean sheet and controlling the game in possession.
“I think in every game we had opportunities to score, we had opportunities to make a goal.
“Of course, it doesn't look great regarding goal-scoring at the moment, but we are still very convinced that we are able to score goals.”
Welbeck scored at home to the Bees earlier this season and was on target at the Gtech Community Stadium last year.
Hurzeler’s attacking choices in the latter game, when Welbeck was taken off in the second half, led to complaints from fans.
The head coach is aware scrutiny on his work will increase if Albion have another disappointing day.
But he said: “The biggest pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself because I want to be great.
“I want to be the perfect coach for this team and that's what I try to do.”