Sunday’s West London derby between Brentford and Fulham was billed as a direct shootout for European qualification. A few weeks ago, the Whites sat 8th in the Premier League, firmly in the driving seat for a Europa Conference League spot. Brighton and Bournemouth were just behind, as Brentford were creeping up the table, sitting two points adrift.
But two consecutive losses — including a 3-1 capitulation to Everton at Craven Cottage — have seen Marco Silva’s side slump to 11th, now four points off 8th with just two matches remaining. Barring a fortunate swing in results, Fulham have whimpered out of the European race.
Brentford, by contrast, are flying. A four-game winning streak — their longest in the club’s Premier League history — has propelled them into 8th, and they’re unbeaten in six.
Thomas Frank was in high spirits during this week’s press conference, where theSports Gazettecaught the Dane’s thoughts ahead of Brentford’s clash with Fulham at the Gtech.
Payback time
The Bees’ 2-1 defeat at Fulham in the reverse fixture this term still stings, as Harry Wilson scored twice after the 90th minute to send Craven Cottage into raptures.
Reflecting on that evening in November, Frank said: “It’s always tough to lose a game in stoppage time. It’s even tougher when it’s against your local rivals and a team I know is the one team that fans don’t want to lose to. But isn’t this the beauty of football? It’s just more fun to be on the right end of a game like that.”
Brentford not only have a chance to seek revenge against their bitter rivals, but they’re also pushing to surpass their record 9th-place Premier League finish in 2022/23. And with European qualification potentially on the line, Frank believes this is the biggest West London derby yet in the top flight.
“We want to finish eighth, that would be our highest ever finish in the Premier League, so that’ll be a fantastic target,” he said.
“Everything is on. Two even, two strong teams. A local derby, at home. It’s going to be a fantastic game. Big belief that we can win, and I’m pretty sure Fulham says the same.”
Out of their hands
If Manchester City finish in the Champions League spots (top five) and win the FA Cup final on Saturday, then 8th place will secure Conference League football next season. If, however, Crystal Palace defeat City to lift the club’s first major trophy, the Eagles will qualify for the Conference League — leaving the 8th-placed finisher empty-handed.
“As we know, we can’t control it,” Frank pondered. “Unfortunately, it’s not up to us.”
The Dane will be in attendance at Wembley and managed to sort tickets for a friend from his home country, who happens to be a Palace fan. “He will support Palace, and I’m a little bit doubtful of who I will support,” Frank joked.
When asked if he would be in the Palace end, he replied: “He wanted that. I thought that was probably not the best way! So probably some nice hospitality seats, hopefully.”
If City win, the narrative remains in Brentford’s hands. If Palace win, European football is off the table. Still, Frank is determined to end the season on a high — Brentford are also just four points away from matching their record Premier League points tally of 59, set in 2023.
The Goal-tech
Season ticket holders at the Gtech have certainly got their money’s worth this season. The Bees have scored 38 and conceded 32 in their 18 home games so far, meaning spectators have enjoyed an average of four goals per game in TW8.
Frank said: “I think we played some fantastic football in general this season, but especially at home — some super, super good attacking football.”
Remarkably, only Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Liverpool, PSG, and Brentford can boast three players with at least 10 league goals this season. The African duo of Bryan Mbuemo and Yoane Wissa have been electric, scoring 18 and 17 Premier League goals respectively. But Kevin Schade has flown under the radar, quietly racking up 11 — including four in his last three matches.
“The more threats you have, the more the opponents need to worry and look after different players,” Frank said. “There’s no doubt that the three of them have had a very good season.”
He was particularly complimentary of his German striker. “Yoane and Bryan have been etching it over the full season, but I think in the last couple of games, Kevin is coming very, very strongly behind that, and he’s definitely in form. All three are in form, so that’s very nice.”
Bring on Sunday
Frank will be nervously watching on at Wembley tomorrow, hoping Pep Guardiola’s side can do Brentford a huge favour by lifting the trophy and keeping European hopes alive.
Regardless of what happens elsewhere, Brentford must first overcome a Fulham side who will be eager to spoil the party, and disrupt the narrative for their noisy neighbours.
Jon Harland
Jon is a sports journalist specialising in football while covering a range of sports. He uses his background in Philosophy to find deeper narratives within sport, delivering insightful and engaging stories. @jonharland_ jonianharland@gmail.com
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