Cardiff have been defeated and now all that stands in our way of Premier League football is Thomas Frank’s Brentford.
I have not felt that nervous watching the end of that Cardiff second leg since the playoff final two years ago but we squeeze through into the final. Now we have a whole different kettle of fish with Brentford who despite a recent slip up in form looked much improved against a resilient Swansea side. This Brentford side is very strong in all areas and will be very hard to beat of key players like Watkins and Benrahma perform. Despite many labelling us as underdogs, I believe that our Wembley experience could be crucial in helping us get a result on Tuesday.
I would make two changes to the team that played in the second leg against Cardiff. If Mitro is fit, which he surely is by now, I would bring him in for Decordova-Reid. Despite creating Kebano’s goal last week he was poor for large parts of the first and second legs and therefore should be dropped. The other change I would make is bringing Kamara in on the right for Knockaert. Kamara’s stint off the bench against Cardiff was vitally important easing the pressure and carrying the ball away from our goal. His pace could be vital with the amount of room he will get on the large Wembley pitch. If Kebano isn’t fit I’d put Cavaleiro on the left but only if he cant play.
I think Fulham will beat Brentford 2-1 with Mitro and Onomah getting the goals. COYW!!!
Head To Head
- Fulham Wins – 21
- Draws – 17
- Brentford Wins – 22
- Goals For – 77
- Goals against – 84
- Biggest Wins – Fulham 5-0 Brentford (1947/48), Fulham 5-0 Brentford (1952/53)
Last 5 Games
- Fulham 0-2 Brentford
- Brentford 1-0 Fulham
- Fulham 1-1 Brentford
- Brentford 3-1 Fulham
- Fulham 1-1 Brentford
Last Time Out
Fulham 0-2 Brentford
Last time we played Brentford we lost 2-0 at Craven Cottage in our first game back after the break. It was a very even game but despite our chances as soon as Harrison Reed went off we folded. Benrahma and Marcondes got their goals in the 88th and 91st minute carrying on our woeful run against the Bees.
Players in Common
Paul Brooker, Simon Brown, Wayne Brown, Peter Buchanan, Terry Bullivant, David Button, David Carlton, Glenn Cockerill, Roger Cross, Danny Cullip, John Fraser, Tony Finnigan, Ryan Fredericks, Darren Freeman, Ron Greenwood, Kelley Haag, Jimmy Hill, Terry Hurlock, Richard Lee, Barry Lloyd, Archibald Macaulay, Tony Mahoney Alfie Mawson, Robert Milsom, Tony Parks, Gerry Peyton, Darren Pratley, John Salako, Barry Salvage, Steve Scrivens, Paul Scrubb, Tony Sealy, Les Strong, Marcello Trotta, Michael Turner, Paul Watson & Callum Willock.
Score Predictions
Focus View:
Brentford 1 – 2 Fulham
Brentford View: Beesotted Podcast
Brentford 1 – 0 Fulham
Former Player: Paul Konchesky (@konch3)
Brentford 1 – 2 Fulham
Battle To Watch
Saïd Benrahma vs Cyrus Christie
On Tuesday we come up against two of the best attacking players in the league but I’ve decided that Saïd Benrahma is the player most likely to make a big impact on this game. Benrahma’s performances this season have led to links to many Premier League sides and not just those in the bottom half. Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been rumoured to be interested in the Algerian and looking at the stats it’s clear to see why. 17 goals and 9 assists in the league leaves him 3rd in the Goal Contributions table just behind teammate Watkins and Mitro. Parker looks like he has chosen Christie as his first-choice right-back for the playoffs so hopefully, he repays his managers faith with a great performance in the final.
PREDICTED LINE-UP
