One last game. One last chance at the dream of European football for The Bees. Nick Bruzon previews.
What has been one of the most exciting seasons on record for Brentford fans comes to an end this Sunday. The dream of European football remains alive, albeit hanging in there on life support and requiring the football equivalent of snookers.
As we are all well aware by now, last weekend’s results took things very much out of Brentford’s hands. Crystal Palace lifting the FA cup was a football romantic’s dream. The recent pecking order of domination flipped around with the Eagles on fire. City nonchalant.
Every passing minute saw the inevitable heartache that so often comes with supporting the Bees careering ever closer at breakneck speed. The City win that was needed in order that the Premier League’s eighth placed team would be guaranteed a place in the UEFA Conference League showing no sign of coming. An out of control juggernaut of pain heading towards us which, of course, eventually smashed any thoughts of owning our destiny out of the road. No matter how good it was to see Pep fuming and Palace celebrate.
The frustration further compounded on Sunday when Brentford went down 3-2 at home in the West London derby before watching Brighton come from behind, twice, to beat Liverpool and leapfrog Thomas Frank’s team the following day.
Yet, somehow, the chance to reach Europe remains on. Just. The weekend’s final round of games – all kicking off at 4pm (UK time) – sees Brentford travel to Wolves in the knowledge that victory will be the first step in a series of ‘other results’.
Elsewhere, we’ll be relying on Nottingham Forest to beat Chelsea. That game is at the City Ground and given the Tricky Trees have to win to remain in contention for the Champions League, who knows. Let’s hope that owner Evangelos Marinakis has some words of encouragement.
Aston Villa also need to leapfrog Enzo Maresca’s Blues, forcing them down in to seventh position. Like Forest, they’re also trying to lock in a place in Europe’s top competition and have the theoretical advantage of visiting hapless Manchester United. Given the Red Devils’ current anti-form, anything is possible there.
Most unlikely in this convoluted sequence, Spurs need to win a league match – something they last accomplished almost two months ago when beating Southampton. Perhaps Wednesday night’s victory in the Europa League final (not a typo) will inspire them to a celebrational blowout in front of their fans .
Should these four results play out (wins for Brentford, Forest, Villa and Spurs) then its all back to supporting Chelsea, knowing that if they beat Real Betis in the Conference League final on Wednesday, their reward of promotion to the Europa League will reopen the spot for the eighth placed team in the Prem.
Confusing? Perhaps. Impossible? Never say never in football. It’s always heart over head and whilst there is a glimmer of hope, you can bet that we’ll do anything possible to kick the door wide open. No matter how long a shot this one is on paper. Just look at Crystal Palace.
Teamwise, this is about as big as they get and Thomas won’t be messing around. You can expect to see: Flekken, Lewis-Potter, van den Berg, Collins, Kayode, Yarmoliuk, Nørgaard, Damsgaard, Schade, Mbeumo and Wissa.
If rumour is to be believed then this could well be the last time we see Mbeumo and Wissa together. If true, they’ll be sure to try and go out in style. European qualification and the chance for both players to reach 20 Premier League goals are huge incentives, regardless of ‘doing it for the fans.’
Should the dream come true, then who knows what that might do to influence future contract talks…
For now, though, this is all about finishing the season in style. About the chance for football fantasy to become a reality.
Bring it on!
