West London rivals Fulham and Brentford face off on what is the first Championship match since the league season was suspended back in March.
Fulham Host Brentford in West London Derby
Promotion Battle
Both teams are currently sitting in the play-offs, with Fulham in third and Brentford in fourth.
However, both sides had somewhat of a dip in form before the break in play. Fulham only won two of their last six matches, while Brentford’s 5-0 over Sheffield Wednesday before the season suspension is their only win in their previous six.
The Cottagers’ slump in form has left them six points adrift from second-placed West Bromwich Albion. Brentford are a further four points back, which has made their hopes of automatic promotion seem unlikely.
But it could be said that Fulham are still in with a chance. With Scott Parker’s men going to Elland Road next weekend, and Brentford facing The Baggies, there is still genuine hope that they could break into the top two.
Victory for the home side would move them just three points off The Baggies, and four off League leaders, Leeds United. Three points for Brentford, on the other hand, would take them just one point behind their neighbours.
Brentford came away with the points in the reverse fixture back in December. Brian Mbuemo’s strike midway through the first half separated the two sides.
Team News
Fulham were missing three players prior to the season’s suspension. Alfie Mawson had undergone knee surgery, Maxime Le Marchand had been out since November with a back problem, and Joe Bryan picked up a thigh strain.
There is a really good chance Bryan and Le Marchand could feature on Saturday, but Mawson is looking unlikely.
It’s good news for Brentford too as they could be with a full squad. Marcus Forss did miss two months of the season with a hamstring injury, but will most certainly be back on Saturday.
Thoughts for the West London Derby
It has been an absolute joy to watch both Fulham and Brentford this season. Both sides have very strong and exciting attacking options, which has contributed to both sides’ potency in front of goal (Fulham have scored 52 goals, while Brentford have scored 64).
It’s difficult to call this one. Both sides have a very good shout of coming away with the points and are very much alike in terms of their playing styles.
On top of that too there is also the factor that Fulham and Brentford’s players haven’t played a competitive game in almost three months, therefore could be looking rusty.
But either way it’s a huge game in the Championship, and any result will have a huge impact on the season’s final standings.
Prediction: Fulham 1-1 Brentford
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