The final play-off final of the season takes place later today as Brentford and Fulham lock horns. With each side desperate for a place in the Premier League, this Championship play-off final is certain to entertain.
West London Derby Draws Attention in High-Stakes Championship Play-Off Final
Match Preview: Brentford v Fulham
367 days after the 2019-20 season began, Fulham and Brentford will meet for the campaign’s conclusion at Wembley. It will be a West London derby like no other with either side fighting for the financial rewards of an estimated £160 million as a result of promotion.
Fulham hope for an immediate return to the top-flight after being relegated last season; Brentford, meanwhile, hope they will be able to call themselves a top-flight team for the first time since 1947.
The Bees have narrowly missed out on automatic promotion after an incredible conclusion to the season.
Thomas Frank’s side recorded victories for nine games back-to-back, throwing themselves into the mix for an automatic promotion spot alongside West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United.
The Bees were unable to maintain the pressure, however, as two defeats in their final two matches allowed the Baggies to take the final automatic spot with Leeds.
Since the 1990-91 season, Brentford have lost in all eight of their play-off campaigns.
It would be a fitting tribute to their time at Griffin Park with the Bees set to depart their home of 116 years this summer.
The conclusion to this season has been one like no other before. Brentford fans will have been expecting to see out their final year at Griffin Park with celebrations; that party may still occur, but it could be even bigger if the promotion is achieved.
Prediction
Having come from behind to beat Swansea, the Bees will be full of confidence; Fulham, meanwhile, were pleased to have avoided any slip-up against Cardiff City.
Scott Parker has been on the losing side on each of his encounters with Brentford this season but will be keen to improve a run of just one win against in the Bees in ten matches.
Pressure will be on Parker to achieve promotion. The Cottagers were, on paper, certainly expected to be challenging for automatic promotion but supporters were aware of the difficulty in achieving promotion back at the first time of asking.
It’s a tough one to call either way but with Brentford having proven their worth with nine back-to-back victories, and the added bonus of bringing top-flight football to the new stadium, I can see the Bees being well and truly fired up and determined to come out on top.
It will be close, there will be plenty of goals, but I can see Brentford edging this Championship play-off final.
Brentford 2-1 Fulham (aet)
Main Photo
