Brentford’s BMW will drive them to Championship playoff final win over Fulham, but their defence has made the difference
IF Brentford are at their best today then I cannot see past them reaching the Premier League. They were incredible in that first half in the second leg of the play-off semi-final against Swansea. Few teams can live with them in this division and they have to go down as favourites against Fulham. A lot has […]
IF Brentford are at their best today then I cannot see past them reaching the Premier League.
They were incredible in that first half in the second leg of the play-off semi-final against Swansea.
Few teams can live with them in this division and they have to go down as favourites against Fulham.
A lot has been made of the Bees’ BMW – Said Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins up front – and rightly so.
Brentford were the top scorers in the Championship, with all three chipping in.
That is the difference between the two sides.
Aleksandar Mitrovic has scored 26 for Fulham, but after that the next best is Thomas Cairney on eight.
Watkins has also scored 26 but then Benrahma has 17, Mbeumo has 16, and even midfielder Josh Dasilva has ten.
But it is at the back where the real difference has been made under boss Thomas Frank.
As the Dane told me, what makes him proudest is how much they have improved in defence.
After conceding 59 goals last season, they only let in 38 this time.
Pontus Jansson has been a huge signing from Leeds. Alongside him, Ethan Pinnock has been brilliant.
Some have said Fulham boss Scott Parker has under delivered by not winning automatic promotion.
But after relegation from the Premier League it is not that simple. He has done a very good job.
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The big question for Parker will be whether to start Mitrovic, who is available after missing the semis against Cardiff.
Everything is set for a brilliant game.
But if both teams turn up, I think Brentford have a bit too much for Fulham.