Before the original fixture was postponed due to the spread of the coronavrius pandemic, I spoke to Brentford fan Lucas (@lucashesse8) about what we can expect in this London derby.
What do you make of your sides season so far?
“If I’m honest it’s been a brilliant season, arguably our best ever. To think how far we’ve come and now we’re competing for promotion to the Premier League is just mind blowing. If you were to tell any Brentford fan that we would get to the play-offs this year, every single one of them would be over the moon. Our striker, Ollie Watkins, is challenging Mitrovic for golden boot on 22 goals and defensively this year we’ve been outstanding. Evidently, from viewing our goal difference you can tell how much of an impact signing Pontus Jansson was in the summer! Despite our recent form, I really believe we can aim high for the rest of the season.”
You mentioned there Brentford’s recent in form – two wins in seven, do you think you have what it takes to stay in the playoff spots?
“Definitely. We sure have what it takes, but whether we will do it is a different question. However, any day of the week I’ll back my team and in my opinion with our quality and the desire to win from all the players is enough to get us over the line and finish the race. Two wins from seven games isn’t good enough, we know that. Although, after our 5-0 win over Wednesday and the hope for a return of the skipper against Fulham, I’m sure this is a turning point.”
What do you make of Thomas Frank so far this season?
“Thomas Frank has been class! He’s a man that I’ve been lucky enough to meet in pre-season, his attitude towards Brentford is superb. I think Frank plays a massive part in the success that’s occurred this season. This is because of the mindset he has and the passion he has for football. Personally, I think he suits the club brilliantly and is desperate for the squad to thrive. I’d love to see him take us up.
A tough choice considering the strong individuals in your squad, but whose the player Fulham should look out for tomorrow?
“As you say a very tough choice. Like I said earlier Ollie Watkins has been brilliant in front of goal of this season and is scoring for fun. Bryan Mbeumo, our french winger signed in the summer, has scored 14 goals in his first season. Not to mention Christian Norgaard, our central defensive midfielder, who has possibly been our best signing and could not get enough credit for the amazing performances he displays week in week out. However, I think the player Fulham need to look out for tommorow has got to be Said Benrahma. One of the best players to play at Griffin Park and his consistency is one asset that makes him so good. He plays superb almost every week, he is definitely one to look out for.”
And finally, what do you think will happen in the game itself and can we get a score prediction?
“It’s ‘The Six Pointer’. Four points separate the two teams and we all know the rivalry between us. There’s all to play for, it’s just about who turns up to play. All Bees are desperate to see a return of Pontus, which would be a massive confidence booster. I think there will be a sending off, both teams want to win it but I’m putting my faith in the boys to bring 3 points home from Craven Cottage.”
My preferred Fulham starting XI; Rodak, Bryan, Ream, Hector, Odoi, Reed, Cairney (c), Decordova-Reid, Knockaert, Mitrovic, Cavaleiro
@LucasHesse8’s score prediction: Fulham FC 1-4 Brentford FC
@FFCSeb’s score prediction: Fulham FC 1-1 Brentford FC
