Tuesday Fulham Stuff - 04/08/20...

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Championship Play-Off Final: Fulham and Brentford Lock Horns in £160 Million West London Derby

The final play-off final of the season takes place later today as Brentford and Fulham lock horns. With each side desperate for a place in the Premier League, this Championship play-off final is certain to entertain.

West London Derby Draws Attention in High-Stakes Championship Play-Off Final
Match Preview: Brentford v Fulham

367 days after the 2019-20 season began, Fulham and Brentford will meet for the campaign's conclusion at Wembley. It will be a West London derby like no other with either side fighting for the financial rewards of an estimated £160 million as a result of promotion.

Fulham hope for an immediate return to the top-flight after being relegated last season; Brentford, meanwhile, hope they will be able to call themselves a top-flight team for the first time since 1947.

The Bees have narrowly missed out on automatic promotion after an incredible conclusion to the season.

Thomas Frank's side recorded victories for nine games back-to-back, throwing themselves into the mix for an automatic promotion spot alongside West Bromwich Albion and Leeds United.

The Bees were unable to maintain the pressure, however, as two defeats in their final two matches allowed the Baggies to take the final automatic spot with Leeds.

Since the 1990-91 season, Brentford have lost in all eight of their play-off campaigns.

It would be a fitting tribute to their time at Griffin Park with the Bees set to depart their home of 116 years this summer.

The conclusion to this season has been one like no other before. Brentford fans will have been expecting to see out their final year at Griffin Park with celebrations; that party may still occur, but it could be even bigger if the promotion is achieved.

Prediction
Having come from behind to beat Swansea, the Bees will be full of confidence; Fulham, meanwhile, were pleased to have avoided any slip-up against Cardiff City.

Scott Parker has been on the losing side on each of his encounters with Brentford this season but will be keen to improve a run of just one win against in the Bees in ten matches.

Pressure will be on Parker to achieve promotion. The Cottagers were, on paper, certainly expected to be challenging for automatic promotion but supporters were aware of the difficulty in achieving promotion back at the first time of asking.

It's a tough one to call either way but with Brentford having proven their worth with nine back-to-back victories, and the added bonus of bringing top-flight football to the new stadium, I can see the Bees being well and truly fired up and determined to come out on top.

It will be close, there will be plenty of goals, but I can see Brentford edging this Championship play-off final.

Brentford 2-1 Fulham (aet)



https://lastwordonfootball.com/2020/08/04/championship-play-off-final-preview/

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Fulham manager Scott Parker faces date with destiny in final test of the season
Fulham gambled their promotion hopes on an inexperienced manager - but they are 90 minutes away from an instant return to the Premier League.

Fulham manager Scott Parker will wake up today knowing he is about to face one of the biggest games of his football career.

The cruel fate of play-off football means Parker could end the day as a hero or immediately face questions from fans over his future.

Fulham set their rookie boss the aim of achieving promotion back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

It has been noted time and time again that clubs struggle upon sinking to the second tier, while the Whites' wretched spell in the top flight meant a culture of losing had to be quickly eradicated, but a healthy budget and promising signings meant that Parker had all the ingredients to achieve the target.

Ultimately, Fulham fell short of automatic promotion.

Michael Hector's ineligibility until January coupled with a number of disappointing results to struggling teams - two defeats to Barnsley, a home thrashing at the hands of Hull and draws with Charlton - can be pinpointed as key moments but all clubs face challenges along the way.

Parker has faced criticism over the style of football employed as hopes of a throwback to the Slavisa Jokanovic era were quickly dashed. The lack of counter attacks throughout the campaign has, arguably, been an Achilles heel but the patient ability to grind out results that emerged in the second half of the season suggests an evolution in style that is gradually beginning to pay dividends.

Fulham showed both sides of their game in the play-off semi-final ties against Cardiff - the slick passing that won the first leg was replaced by a relatively steely defensive performance as the Welsh outfit threw the kitchen sink in the reverse fixture.

Brentford pose a different challenge to Cardiff, with their famed BMW frontline likely to cause plenty of problems at Wembley.

It is Parker's final test of a strange season.

If he can mastermind a route to victory against local rivals then the spoils of the Premier League await and he will go down in Craven Cottage folklore. A defeat, however, would surely leave Fulham sweating on the future of top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic and Parker with questions to answer over the failure to get back to the big time.

It has been calculated that the EFL Championship play-off final is worth £135m over three years for Fulham if they win - but there's so much more on the line than cold, hard cash.

Parker has shown enough managerial nous in recent weeks to earn a second season but it's a hell of a game for a rookie manager to round off his debut year in the dugout.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1318076/Fulham-Manager-Scott-Parker-Brentford-Championship-Play-Off-Final-Wembley-News

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'Let's say that' - Stoke City old boy makes bold play-off final call

Brentford and Fulham go head-to-head at Wembley for a place in the Premier League

Brentford and Fulham battle it out for a place in the Premier League at Wembley tonight (Tuesday).

The West London rivals meet in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final (7.45pm) to see who joins Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion in winning promotion to the top flight.

The loser will remain in the second tier along with Stoke City and 22 others, confirming the divison's line-up for 2020-21.

Former Stoke midfielder Steve Sidwell has played for both finalists.

In 2002, he was part of the Brentford side that lost 2-0 to Stoke in the Second Division (League One) play-off final - while on loan from Arsenal.

Sidwell went on to play in the Premier League with Fulham - and is backing them to come out on top in what he thinks will be an entertaining encounter.

"It's all about the attacking options," he told Sky Sports.

"(Aleksandar) Mitrovic... will he be fit (for Fulham)? (Neeskens) Kebano, he went out injured (at the end of the semi-final second leg against Cardiff). They've got (Anthony) Knockaert, he can score goals.

"But also you look at Brentford - 59 goals that front three (Said Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins) have scored as well.

"So it's going to be a very entertaining game, let's say that. Defence will have to be on tip top form."

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the match will be played behind closed doors.

"It's going to be a weird experience, with no day out for the fans," Sidwell added.

"Fulham obviously have the experience of playing there, with a crowd, but it's going to be different for both teams.

"I think Fulham might just edge it. Brentford are going to go into it on form but I think Fulham might just edge it."



https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/brentford-fulham-championship-playoff-final-4392170

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Fulham XI vs Brentford: Confirmed early team news, predicted lineup, latest injuries for Championship play-off final

Fulham top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic is fit to face Brentford in tonight's Championship play-off final, manager Scott Parker has confirmed.

The Championship Golden Boot winner, who scored 26 goals across the regular season, was forced to sit out both semi-final legs against Cardiff with a slight hamstring problem.

However, having trained since Wednesday, the Serbian is now ready to start should Parker need him to, with the Cottagers now one step away from an immediate return to the Premier League.

Parker will also be boosted by the availability of Neeskens Kebano, who hobbled off during the second leg against Cardiff.

Harry Arter and Ivan Cavaleiro - both of whom missed the two semi-final games - are also fit.

"He's fit," Parker said when asked about Mitrovic at his pre-match press conference on Monday. "Everyone is fit for tomorrow night."

The Fulham boss now faces a tough call over whether or not to throw Mitrovic straight back into the fold for the Wembley final.

Parker could also turn to Denis Odoi over Cyrus Christie at right-back to shore up the backline in the face of Brentford's feared front three.


Predicted Fulham XI (4-3-3): Rodak; Odoi, Hector, Ream, Bryan; Reed, Cairney, Onomah; Knockaert, Kebano, Mitrovic



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-xi-vs-brentford-confirmed-early-team-news-predicted-lineup-latest-injuries-championship-play-a4515766.html

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What channel is Brentford vs Fulham? Play-off final time, TV and live stream information

The Championship play-off final sees Brentford take on west London rivals Fulham for a place in next season's Premier League. Here's how you can watch the 'richest game in the world'


Henrik Dalsgaard of Brentford is tackled by Fulham's Joe Bryan (Image: Richard Heathcote)

It's a west London derby in Tuesday's Championship play-off final as Brentford and Fulham battle for the last place in next season's Premier League.

The pair finished the season third and fourth respectively, and both overcame South Wales opposition 3-2 on aggregate to reach Wembley; Brentford beating Swansea 3-2 and Fulham making the final at Cardiff 's expense.

There won't be much to choose between the two sides as they ended the season level on points, although the Bees posted a much better goal difference of +42, compared to Fulham's +16.

The Cottagers will be looking to bounce straight back into the Premier League, following their relegation in 2019, and a third stint in the competition overall, having enjoyed a successful run from 2001-2014 which included four top ten finishes.

For Brentford, victory would mean their first appearance in the top flight since 1947.

What time is Brentford vs Fulham?
Tuesday's Championship play-off final at Wembley is the only match being played that day.

Kick-off between the two west London clubs will be at 7.45pm.

The stakes can't be much higher, with a place in the Premier League - and all the financial trappings that go with it - in store for the winners.

Brentford vs Fulham TV channel and live stream
As with all matches from the EFL, Sky Sports will be broadcasting this nail-biting clash.

Both its Main Event and Football channels will be showing the game, with coverage beginning at 7pm.

The match is not on free-to-air TV, so fans will need to pay. Those who do, can stream it through their Sky Go or Now TV apps.

Odds
Brentford 23/20

Draw 12/5

Fulham 13/5

Brentford have done the double over Fulham this season - including a post-lockdown 2-0 win at Craven Cottage in June, which is why The Bees are warm favourites at 23/20 to win at Wembley.

In fact the Cottagers haven't beaten their derby rivals since November 2016. But beware, Thomas Frank's men are not infallible.

Paralysed by promotion nerves in the final two league matches of the season against Barnsley and Stoke, they lost their first leg of the semi-final in South Wales before decisively recovering to win the second leg.

And the narrow defeat Fulham suffered in Cardiff which guaranteed their Wembley place was their first defeat since losing at Leeds 10 games ago.

Fulham are big at 13/5 with thepools.com.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/what-channel-brentford-vs-fulham-22459702

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Why Brentford and Fulham are playing for far more than football's biggest financial prize

The West London neighbours head north to Wembley for a game that is likely to have transformative impacts for both


Aleksandar Mitrovic of Fulham holds off Ethan Pinnock of Brentford in June. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

So it all comes down to this. Three hundred and sixty-seven days and 48 games into the season like no other, Brentford and Fulham make the short trip north to Wembley for what economists say is the biggest financial prize in football.

These neighbours share plenty of similarities beyond a desire to control possession and play on the frontfoot.

Only goal difference separated them in the table having passed up opportunities to go up automatically, they both progressed through their play-off semi-finals 3-2 on aggregate while requiring resilient defensive performances to see off Swansea and Cardiff.

But there is also a feeling that they are approaching tonight from polar opposite angles.

For Fulham, promotion would mean a 15th campaign in the Premier League, rebounding at the first time of asking after last season's relegation.

Brentford, on the other hand, have not been a top-flight team since 1947 and their budget at the start of this season was dwarfed by many of the division's big-hitters, Scott Parker's side among them.

Is there a feeling of two worlds colliding at the national stadium? "I think you can say that," Brentford's impressive manager Thomas Frank said. "I think [Fulham] have the experience, they were a Premier League club last year, they got the parachute money, have been in the play-off final.

"They have to go to the Premier League as soon as possible. We have been building something over years. We badly want to go there. And now we are for whatever reason very level, and it is going to be a fantastic game to be a part of."

The attention towards Brentford almost makes it seem like Fulham have gone under the radar a little bit. Does Parker feel the attention, if not the pressure, being off his team could work to their advantage?

"Maybe and people are obviously looking at Brentford because they have been fantastic this year. I know how well they've done," he said.

"Brentford are being spoken about because of how they have gone about their work and probably because they had some big opportunities to have seen the season out. That's probably the case."

"The fact is we are still a small club," Frank continued. "We are. We have a minor budget, a minor stadium. We don't have the same experience. History speaks for itself - we have not been in the top tier for 70 years.

"So definitely. But the mindset in terms of how we can perform against bigger teams and bigger clubs - that has changed."

Brentford defeated Fulham twice in the regular season without conceding but required late magic from Said Benrahma at Craven Cottage in the first game post-lockdown, eventually winning 2-0 in a match that the hosts had shaded for 85 minutes.

For Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed, whose loan from Southampton expires tonight, those results mean little. "You can call us underdogs, you can call us favourites," he said. "It doesn't matter. It's about who is best on the day."

There are many subplots, too. Not least Aleksandar Mitrovic versus Ollie Watkins, the former winning the golden boot by a single goal. Watkins, if you include the play-offs, equalled that tally against Swansea while the Serbia international missed both legs of Fulham's semi with Cardiff owing to a hamstring strain.

Despite training well over the past couple of days he may not be at 100% against the division's second meanest defence.

"Aleksandar is fit so we will make our decision on him," Parker said. "He's missed a lot of football since the lockdown. He obviously had his suspension, then he had to come out of the side through a slight injury. He's top goalscorer in this league.

"He's raring to go like everybody else. Can't wait for tomorrow night, the occasion and what it brings. This is what we've all worked for.



https://www.football.london/championship/brentford-fulham-playing-far-more-18710355

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A different Wembley walk for Parker

Scott Parker is no stranger to leading a team out at Wembley as he recalls the night he captained England against the Netherlands in 2012.

Parker was handed the armband by caretaker Three Lions boss Stuart Pearce, with the midfielder describing it as a 'special' night for him. It might not have been a result to remember but it is a day that will live long in the memory for the former England international.

Now he looks forward to a different stroll onto the Wembley turf, as he leads his Fulham side out in the 2019/20 Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final against West London rivals Brentford.

The football shirt and boots have been replaced by a suit and a pair of black shoes, the armband replaced by a tie to fix up his suit, but the pressure remains the same - winning is everything for Scott Parker.

"I am extremely proud of leading the team out, there are no two ways about that - but I am proud of my team and my staff for everything that we have gone through this season," said Parker.

"We have been on a journey and I am proud of every single one of them. I see a real improvement and I see people improving week-in-week-out, we have had to win a lot of football matches to get to where we are now and we have managed to do that.

"Tuesday will be a proud evening for me and like the game in 2012 - you have got a job to do, that is 90 minutes where you have to perform and that doesn't change for me now that I am the manager, we have to perform and make sure we get that win on the night."

Parker and his side finished level on points with Thomas Frank's Brentford in the final league standings, with the Bees missing the opportunity to clinch automatic promotion on the final day of the season, as relegation-threatened Barnsley took all three points at Griffin Park.

A result like that might surprise you in other league's around the world, but not the Championship. The 39 year old spent the final three seasons in his football career in England's second division and says it is one of the most entertaining league's in the world.

"I think it is a fantastic league and the entertainment that you get is up there as one of the best - the Premier League with the quality it brings and the entertainment in there as well, but in terms of the relentlessness, the Championship is huge," Parker admitted. 

"How the season ended is a perfect example of how great this league is, every team on their day can beat each other and it is entertaining, I think we can all realise that.

"There are some top, top teams in this division, a lot of established outfits that have played Premier League football for a long time, so it just goes to show how big this competition is."

Fulham were victorious the last time they took part in the Championship Play-Off Final, recording a 1-0 win over Aston Villa through a Tom Cairney effort.

With a large majority of that squad still at Craven Cottage - albeit under a new manager - Parker is confident that their experience is this fixture could give them the edge over Brentford on Tuesday night.

"The squad here have walked the walk before and I only see that as a positive, at the same time there is going to be more to this game and more to the dynamics of this game that a little bit of experience, but that experience will be helpful," he added.

"Experience certainly isn't going to be a hinderance, getting that knowledge of big games and the magnitude of those games will certainly help because you have been there and done it, smelt it and understood it.

"We have players in this football club that have done that and I can only see that as something that is going to help us, it could be a part of a big picture for us. But on the other side to that you have to turn up, and I will be making sure my players do that."



https://www.efl.com/news/2020/august/a-different-wembley-walk-for-parker/

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Felix White x Fulham FC takeover

Felix White has delivered the ultimate Fulham FC Play-Off Final music selection, with a little help from the fans! The playlist is designed to get all Fulham fans pumped for the game.

Press play this Tuesday ahead of KO and spread the word. Follow and share here: https://bit.ly/FulhamFCMatchday

Felix White has completed a Q&A ahead of the game, speaking about all things Fulham!

Firstly Felix, how good is it to see your beloved Fulham in the Play-Off Final once again?
I think we all dreaded after our last relegation that it would be a similar long haul back into the Premier League. We aren't there yet, obviously but it marks a far more successful first season back in the Championship than last time regardless. To be honest though, I'm filled with dread and imminent disaster, which is the default setting for any Fulham fan.

What a season it's been for them so far – do you still watch as closely as ever?

I've followed it, of course. Since I've been young my life has been phases of going to Fulham every week, home and away, and then zoning out whilst different things in life take over then back again. It's been the latter in the last couple of weeks but I have obviously followed every single result and have been in fairly constant conversation with my mates at the Cottage.

Safe to say they're your First Love! Tell us a bit about how you became a fan and your early memories of the club?

My Dad isn't into football, so I didn't inherit a club really. I was badgering him to go to football and he took me to the Cottage. We got on the train, walked over the river, and watched Micky Adams' bottom tier side beat Barnet 2-0. I went from that moment on, five pounds to get into the turnstiles and that begun at the very front of the terraced Hammersmith end, slowly moving further back as a form of initiation over the years.

Other than following Fulham of course, tell us a bit about what you're up to these days...

I co-run a record label called Yala! Records, who are just about to put out Willie J Healey's album, which is a really special record. I record Tailenders every week still with Greg James and Jimmy Anderson, an increasingly loosely cricket based podcast for the BBC. I'm also in the process of finishing a record, a book and beginning a film score after working on The Edge last year with Barney Douglas, so there's plenty on. 

What do you make of Scott Parker and how he's got Fulham playing?

I think it's been a work in progress but massive credit has to go to the fact we've been up there all year. I was really impressed by the last half-an-hour of the Cardiff Semi-Final, where we showed a resilience missing from a lot of the season.

Aleksandar Mitrovic is still scoring goals for fun! Is he up there with your favourite Fulham players, or does someone else stand out?

Unfortunately for Mitro he has to sit on the bench in my all time Fulham team. I have too fond memories of watching Bobby Zamora, Paul Peschisolido and Dmitar Berbatov up top.

The memories of the 2018 Final are still fresh in the memory. Where did you watch that game, and where does it rank for you?

I'm still recovering from it to be honest. I was there. It was an intensely emotional day. Up there with the Hamburg Europa League Final and last day relegation survival at Portsmouth under Roy Hodgson.

How would you rate Fulham's chances in the Premier League this time around if they do go up?

No comment.

What would your message be to the players ahead of the Final?

I don't think any advice I have is going to be particularly helpful. I just hope they're as hungry as they probably were in 2018.

Finally, how do you see the Final going – let's have a score prediction!

Don't make me do that. I've supported Fulham for too long to ever do that. 



https://www.efl.com/news/2020/august/felix-white-x-fulham-fc-takeover/

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Five Facts: The must-know stats ahead of Brentford vs Fulham

The Championship Playoff Final is upon and it's a West London Derby to whet the appetite. Brentford take on Fulham at Wembley as the Bees look to secure a Premier League spot for the first time in their history. Having missed the chance to go up automatically, Brentford overcame Swansea in their semi-final meeting to set up a final clash with Fulham, who got the better of Cardiff in their two-legged affair.

Ahead of the meeting that determines who joins Leeds and West Brom, we pick out five facts worth making a note of ahead the fixture at Wembley...

Brentford to get the better of Fulham on the counter-attack?

In Said Benrahma, Ollie Watkins and Bryan Mbeumo, Thomas Frank has three intelligent, speedy forwards able to get the better of any side on their day. Indeed, the trio between them have netted 59 league goals this season and will be looking to add to that record against Fulham. One of the best ways to do so will be to maximise the pace of the three players to get in behind the Whites backline, something that Brentford are capable of doing where required.

Only Leeds and Hull (both 6) have scored more counter-attacking goals than Brentford (5) in the Championship this season, while only Swansea (7) and Bristol (5) have conceded more counter-attacking goals than Fulham (4) in 2019/20. The WhoScored match forecast suggests it is Very Likely that Brentford 'will score from a fast break situation' and Frank and Brentford will be hoping this rings true at Wembley tonight.

Bees to maintain away day dominance at rivals Fulham's expense?

Only Leeds (6.86) have earned a better away day rating than Brentford (6.85) in the Championship this season. A trip to Wembley may be a daunting proposition one for the Bees as they seek to end a five-match losing run at the national stadium, yet they have been one of the best teams on the road in the Championship this season.

What's more, they are unbeaten in nine of their last 10 meetings with Fulham, including a 2-0 win at Craven Cottage when these two clashed in June. While their record at Wembley may be a mental block that needs overcoming, they can take solace from their record with Fulham to secure a Premier League spot for next season.

Fulham to punish Brentford's lapses in concentration?

It was a massive mistake that almost cost Brentford their place in the Championship Playoff Final, but Pontus Jansson's error in their second leg win over Swansea, while punished at the time by Rhian Brewster, didn't prove fatal for their promotion hopes. Yet it's these lapses in concentration that Fulham have to expose.

One of Brentford's statistically calculated WhoScored weaknesses happens to be 'Avoiding individual errors' and it's for good reason too. Only Derby (21) have committed more errors leading to an opposition shot than the Bees (19) in the Championship this season. While just seven of these were punished by opponents, Fulham have the personnel on hand to put Brentford to the sword if needed.

The impact of Mitrovic's potential absence

Aleksandar Mitrovic finished the regular Championship season with 26 league goals to his name, that enough to secure the Golden Boot. However, Mitrovic missed both semi-final leg meetings with Cardiff, though his absence clearly didn't hinder Fulham so much that it cost them a trip to Wembley.



Fulham's record without Mitrovic isn't too bad, all things considered, with Scott Parker overseeing six wins from the eight league matches he has missed this season. Yet, no player has scored more away goals than the 25-year-old (12) in the Championship this season and for a Fulham side that has scored just 26 away league goals this season, his absence could be decisive.

Few goals to be scored?

While the two teams are more than capable of hurting one another on their day - they have scored 140 league goals between them this season - the most recent west London clashes have been tetchy affairs. Indeed, five of the last six meetings between Brentford and Fulham have seen two or fewer goals scored.

Factor in that seven of the league eight Championship Playoff Finals have seen two or fewer goals scored and tonight's clash could well prove to be a close-run affair.



https://www.whoscored.com/Articles/rbsY9xg8D02fhZqDLoBk4w/Show/Five-Facts-The-must-know-stats-ahead-of-Brentford-vs-Fulham

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Parker insists Fulham don't fear Bees – who Frank says have 'nothing to lose'

Thomas Frank has declared that Brentford have "everything to win and nothing to lose" in tonight's all west London Championship play-off final.

Fulham boss Scott Parker, meanwhile, has dismissed a suggestion that his team fear the Bees after losing twice to them this season.

Parker was responding to bullish comments from Brentford midfielder Emiliano Marcondes ahead of the Wembley encounter.

Marcondes said this week that he believed Fulham "are fearing us" after losing the two previous derby clashes – both without scoring.

But Parker said: "No, I don't believe that at all. It's a play-off final and the dynamics, what's at stake, I think everything gets eradicated from previous games.

"This game is about a lot more than past experiences and previous performances.

"Of course we realise the challenge ahead of us, and that challenge is we're playing against a very good team. They're a good side, we understand that, but at the same time I fully believe in what we're doing.

"I fully believe in my squad, I fully believe in the occasion and where we're going to have to go in terms of the game to get a result. I firmly believe my players can do that."

With defeats in their final two matches of the regular season having cost them promotion, Brentford are again on the cusp of a place in the Premier League.

Boss Frank has been keen to press home the message that his players should not feel daunted by the big occasion.

And what an occasion it will be – even without fans being able to attend.

West London will have a second club in the Premier League next season.

Fulham are looking to get back to there at the first time of asking, while a place in the top flight for the first time since 1930 would be a sensational achievement for Brentford, who for so long were regarded as the area's fourth club.

"We have everything to win and nothing to lose," said Frank.

"We are in the Championship now and we will still be in the Championship if we lose.

"So we are not losing anything. We can only win something. I think it's important to know that.

"We want to leave everything out there and when we're done with the game there will be no regrets whatsoever. We're just looking forward to it.

"If you ask me if I prefer to win, then yes. But I'm very, very confident that no matter what happens in the game we will keep developing in the right direction."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/brentford/parker-insists-fulham-dont-fear-bees-who-frank-says-have-nothing-to-lose

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Key Fulham figure linked with somewhat surprising summer exit

AFC Bournemouth are reportedly weighing up a move for Fulham manager Scott Parker ahead of the 2020/21 season in the Championship according to The Sun.

The Cherries are searching for a new manager after Eddie Howe left his role in charge of the club, after they were relegated from the Premier League after a forgetful season this term.

It seems as though the club are wasting no time in searching for a replacement for Howe ahead of the new league campaign, and they have Parker as one of their managerial targets.

It is also claimed by The Sun that Parker has a good relationship with Bournemouth's technical director Richard Hughes.

But any potential deal is dependent on whether Fulham are to win promotion into the Premier League on Tuesday evening, when they take on Brentford in the Championship play-off final.

It's set to be a closely-fought battle at Wembley between the two London-based teams, as they battle it out for a place in the Premier League next season.

Parker guided Fulham to a fourth-place finish in the Championship, and will be eager to cap off an impressive season to date with promotion.

The Verdict:

I think he'll want to stick with Fulham.

Parker has done well with the Cottagers, and surely he'd want to finish the project he started with them, even if they are to miss out on promotion into the Premier League on Tuesday against Brentford.

AFC Bournemouth are set for an interesting summer ahead, as they look to rebuild their squad ahead of life back in the Championship.

I think Parker would do a steady job with AFC Bournemouth, but I can't see the move happening, as I think Fulham will beat Brentford in the play-off final.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/key-fulham-figure-linked-with-somewhat-surprising-summer-exit/

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Hot Off The Press: Fulham

Tom Harvey, Fulham programme editor, previews tonight's game



Fulham booked their place in the Championship play-off final for the second time in three seasons with a 3-2 aggregate win over Cardiff. What did you make of their performance over the two legs?

It was a tale of two legs. Fulham were brilliant in the first, dominating the ball and scoring two brilliant goals. The second leg wasn't pretty, but they showed a different side to their game – one they're not necessarily associated with – of grit, determination and bravery to get over the line. It was nervy stuff, but they got the job done. 

This, of course, set up a winner-takes-all West London derby at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday. How much do you think that will spur Scott Parker's men on? 

If you can't get up for a play-off final, then you're in the wrong game. And then there's the added incentive of beating your local rivals. The majority of the Fulham squad know all about winning promotion this way, having done so two years ago and will be leaning heavily on that experience. 

How big an achievement would it be for Parker to achieve promotion in his first full season in charge of the Cottagers? 

It's easy to look at the Fulham squad and think they should have raced away with the Championship. But Parker had to change the mentality of a squad that was used to losing most weeks in the Premier League. He also needed to stamp his own style of play on his team. It's been a work-in-progress and there have been times when they seem to be playing with the handbrake on. But when they're on song, they're very hard to beat and to finish two points off automatic promotion is good going. Not going up wouldn't be a disaster, but speculation over the futures of their best players would intensify. 

The absence of Aleksandar Mitrovic in the semi-final has set tongues wagging about whether or not he'll be available for the final. Fulham coped without him, but how significant a blow would it be if he was ruled out of this one, too? 

Obviously, you want your best players available and they don't come much better at this level than Mitrovic, but Fulham have actually done really well when he has been absent this season. The defeat to Cardiff in the second leg was the first game they've lost when they've had to make do without the 26-goal striker. It would be a shame for him to miss out on the Wembley showpiece as he brings so much to the team, particularly if the in-form Neeskens Kebano (pictured above) is also ruled out after limping off against Cardiff.   

How is Parker likely to set up his side at Wembley? 

A variation of 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 is Parker's favoured way of thinking. I imagine the goalkeeper and back four will stay the same, and Harrison Reed and Josh Onomah have cemented their starting places in the middle of the park after impressive displays post-lockdown. They'll be joined by the skipper Tom Cairney, who scored the play-off final winner against Aston Villa two years ago. The attacking roles are harder to call depending on who's fit but there are plenty of options available to Parker and the recent return from injury of the powerful Aboubakar Kamara could be timely. 

What's your score prediction for the game? 

It's so tough to call and Brentford have been a bit of a bogey side for Fulham in recent years. I can't see either team running away with it and it will definitely be close. There will be goals, but I have to go for an edgy 2-1 win for Fulham.



https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2020/august/play-off-final-hot-off-the-press/

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Bournemouth 'will make move for Scott Parker to replace Eddie Howe as manager'... but only if Fulham lose tonight's Championship play-off final against Brentford

    Bournemouth want Eddie Howe's successor to be in place ahead of pre-season
    Scott Parker has led Fulham to the brink of a return to the Premier League
    The Cherries want to speak to Parker if Fulham lose to Brentford at Wembley

Bournemouth are set to make a move for Scott Parker should Fulham fail to beat Brentford in the Championship play-off final.

According to The Sun, the Cherries want to appoint Eddie Howe's successor ready for pre-season training which starts on August 17.

It is claimed that Parker is a candidate for the job at Bournemouth due to his relationship with Harry Arter, who the hierarchy at the Vitality Stadium are close to.


Bournemouth are keen to speak with Scott Parker should he not get promoted with Fulham

Arter is currently playing under Parker at Fulham on loan from Bournemouth and is the former Chelsea midfielder's brother-in-law.

It is also stated that Parker has a good understanding with Bournemouth's technical director Richard Hughes.

Bournemouth will, however, have to look elsewhere should Fulham beat Brentford on Tuesday night at Wembley and secure their spot in next season's Premier League.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8591271/Bournemouth-keen-speak-Scott-Parker-Fulham-lose-Brentford-Championship-play-final.html

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Reed hopes Wembley experience tells for Fulham

Fulham midfielder Harrison Reed says past results with Brentford count for nothing ahead of the most important game of his career, today's Championship play-off final at Wembley.

The west London rivals will do battle to decide who follows Leeds and West Brom into the Premier League.

Brentford finished the regular season in third place and were victorious in the two meetings during the campaign, winning 1-0 at Griffin Park in December and 2-0 at Craven Cottage in June.

At the weekend Bees midfielder Emiliano Marcondes insisted Fulham were "fearing us because we have won against them two times."

But Reed, on loan from Southampton, responded: "You can call us underdogs, you can call us favourites or call them favourites. It doesn't really matter what has happened earlier on in the season. It is one game now. It is who turns up and performs the best and we are full of confidence we can do that."

A win for Brentford could earn them around £160million over three years according to sports financial analysts Deloitte, while both clubs could pocket £265million over five years if they were to secure top flight survival next season.

On Fulham's side is experience of playing at Wembley, with several members of the squad part of the team to beat Aston Villa in the 2018 play-off final.

"We have lads who have experienced that and been there with the pressure and got the job done, so we can certainly use that to our advantage," Reed added.

"It will be the most important game of my career and I am just looking forward to it. I have worked all my career to play at Wembley."

Aleksandar Mitrovic featured for Fulham in their 1-0 win over Villa at Wembley two years ago but missed both of the semi-final legs with Cardiff due to a hamstring injury.

The division's golden boot winner with 26 goals has recently returned to training and was praised by team-mate Reed.

"He has been training in the last couple of days, which is great," Fulham's combative midfielder said.

"What a player he has been for us this season and to see him work off the pitch and reap the rewards on the pitch is something that is inspirational to everyone at the club.

"The amount of hours he puts in at the gym and at the training ground, it is no surprise he has won the golden boot."

    Championship play-off: Fulham v Brentford, Live Sky Sports 7.45



https://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/reed-hopes-wembley-experience-tells-for-fulham-39420092.html

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Aleksandar Mitrovic gives Fulham fitness boost ahead of play-off final

ulham manager Scott Parker will have top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic available for their Sky Bet Championship play-off final with Brentford.

The Serbian missed both semi-final legs against Cardiff with a hamstring injury, but has returned to training and is available for selection on Tuesday as the Cottagers look to secure a Premier League return.

Mitrovic scored 26 times in the Championship this season, the same as Brentford's Ollie Watkins, but clinched the golden boot ahead of his local rival after playing fewer minutes.

"Aleksandar is fit so we will make our decision on him," Fulham boss Parker said.

"I have a full squad to pick from, so it is now down to me to work out the best dynamics to obviously try and win the football match."

Parker is no stranger to Wembley and captained England there eight years ago against Holland, but is proud to have taken Fulham back to the venue in his first full season as a manager.


Scott Parker, right, captained England at Wembley in February 2012 against the Netherlands (Nick Potts/PA)

But the former Fulham midfielder does not believe his squad will be distracted by the occasion as they look to secure promotion.

"I am excited, there is an excitement about me and I am looking forward to the game and I am very proud," Parker added.

"Of course I have been at the football club for a long time, as a player and now in my first full season of leading the club and the team to this point so I'm very proud.

"Ultimately how I look at it is very single-minded and very focused on what is ahead. It is another football match and my experiences have taught me that all the noise and everything else that comes with big games is exactly that – just noise.

"We have a real laser focus about us and understand the job at hand and what we need to do and I feel we are in a good place to do that."

Brentford's 'BMW' strike force of Said Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Watkins have contributed 59 goals during the campaign, which is only five fewer than Parker's whole team were able to manage.

But the Fulham manager added: "Going forward they are a real threat, we have seen that with the front three players scoring a lot of goals so of course we understand that.

"Like I've said many times before, we concentrate on ourselves and how we can hurt and try and punish Brentford and their flaws.

"We are playing against an extremely organised team, who have done extremely well this year and there will be challenges, but I also suspect Brentford will have some challenges and hopefully they will be greater than the challenges they cause us."

In addition to promotion, bragging rights will also be up for grabs and while Fulham lost twice to Brentford this season, they did finish level on points with the Griffin Park outfit.

Parker said: "It's amazing to think we get to the 49th game of the season and it comes down to a west London derby. It probably adds a little more.

"Even as big as the game is, it is a London derby now as well so two teams who have done fantastically well this year, separated by goal difference in the league – and hopefully it will be a very good game."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/aleksandar-mitrovic-gives-fulham-fitness-boost-ahead-of-play-off-final-1596471014000

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Scott Parker: Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic keen to make up for lost time

Aleksandar Mitrovic is eager to make up for lost time when Fulham face Brentford in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final, according to manager Scott Parker.

The ex-Newcastle striker only scored three times after football resumed, with his availability affected by a three-match ban and then a hamstring injury, but still ended the regular season as the division's top goalscorer.

Mitrovic's 26 goals came in fewer minutes than Brentford rival Ollie Watkins and the duo will go head-to-head at Wembley on Tuesday.

A lot of the focus in the build-up to the fixture has been on the Bees 'BMW' strike force of Said Benrahma, Bryan Mbeumo and Watkins, but Fulham possess their own secret weapon with their talisman fit again.

"He has missed a lot of football since lockdown finished," Parker said. "He obviously had his suspension and then he has had to come out of the side through a slight injury.

"There is no bigger stage than now and 26 goals, the top goalscorer in the league, he has worked for this moment to be able to take to the field and help us achieve what we want to achieve.

"He is raring to go along with everyone else. Everyone else is in the same position, raring to go and can't wait for the occasion and what it brings.

"This is what you work for and what we've all worked for so we are all looking forward to going there and trying to perform."

Sports financial analysts Deloitte predict Brentford could earn £160million over three years if they beat Fulham and the story of Thomas Frank's young guns has captured the imagination of neutrals.

The Bees also bid farewell to their Griffin Park home last month and will move into a new ground in September, but Parker has seen his group go through a journey.

Relegation from the Premier League last season hurt Fulham, especially after they spent over £100m in transfer fees ahead of their top-flight return.

Several managerial changes later and they were back in the Championship with rookie boss Parker the man to pick up the pieces.

He added: "It was a mammoth challenge because I realised the squad was fragile and the football club was fragile and it was separate.

"The fans were distant from where the team were and there were different ways. We had a lot of signings in and the whole dynamics of the place was hard.

"I realised as much as there was an element of trying to put a stamp and identity on this football team, there was a much bigger issue and something at the forefront of my mind was to bring the club back together a little bit.

"I was trying to create an environment and culture which oozed that we would be successful because all successful clubs and businesses, it comes from a core foundation."

Fulham and Brentford, who both finished on 81 points, have one final fixture left to play to decide who follows Leeds and West Brom into the Premier League.
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Southampton midfielder Harrison Reed could be in the top flight next season regardless of what happens at Wembley, but he is desperate to help loan club Fulham get there.

"We go into this game full of confidence and we know if we turn up, we can get the job done," the 25-year-old said.

"I feel like this season has probably been the year where I've come on the most and that is down to the staff and the players I've trained with.

"Then it is down to me to go out on the pitch and perform. I am happy with my form of late, but there is still more to come."



https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/scott-parker-fulham-forward-aleksandar-mitrovic-keen-to-make-up-for-lost-time-1596490251000

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Report: Leeds could make second attempt to sign star Bielsa first wanted in 2018

Leeds United could make a move for Joe Bryan if Fulham don't win the Championship play off final this evening, according to TeamTalk.

Bryan was a target of Leeds back in 2018, as the Daily Mirror reported, but they failed to get a deal over the line for him then.

It seems that the Fulham man has remained on the Whites radar though, and he could potentially have caught the eye of Marcelo Bielsa in the build up to the summer.

Leeds are apparently set to move for a left-back this summer, as Bielsa prepares his squad for their first campaign back in the top flight.

The Daily Mail had previously suggested that Bryan was rated at £6 million in January, so he could prove to be a decent value for money signing at Leeds.

Bryan's attacking talents are noteworthy, and he has claimed seven assists for Fulham this term.

He could, therefore, fit into Leeds' system – as Bielsa encourages his full-backs to push forward at every opportunity.

If he was to move to Leeds he would be in competition with the likes of Stuart Dallas and Barry Douglas for a first-team place.



https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/08/04/report-leeds-could-make-second-attempt-to-sign-star-bielsa-first-wanted-in-2018/

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160 million pounds at stake in Brentford v Fulham play-off final

Brentford stand to earn some £160 million in additional revenue over three years if they defeat Fulham in Tuesday's Championship play-off final and secure a return to the Premier League, Deloitte have said.

An estimated £85m of that sum would come from central broadcasting distributions and £75m from parachute payments over the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons if Brentford were relegated after a single campaign, it said.

If they avoid immediate relegation, their additional revenue could rise to £265m over five years, Deloitte said.

Fulham could earn £135m over three years if they are promoted, with the reduced amount due to the fact they are still receiving parachute payments following their relegation to the Championship in 2019.

"Given the recent impact of COVID-19, it is likely that the financial impact of promotion will be better received than ever before," said Tim Bridge, director in Deloitte's Sports Business Group.

"The increased revenue provides clubs with the platform from which they can develop on and off the pitch. Promotion to the Premier League provides clubs with the financial resources to make strategic investments."



https://www.eurosport.co.uk/football/championship/2018-2019/_sto7825646/story.shtml

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Brentford eye €175m windfall from winner-takes-all derby

Brentford stand to earn around £160million (€175m) over three years in additional revenue if they beat Fulham in tonight's Championship play-off final, according to sports financial analysts Deloitte.

The game remains the most valuable single match in world football, as it brings with it the prize of Premier League football and access to the television money afforded to top-flight clubs.

Deloitte say that if the Bees were to survive their first season the additional revenue would rise to £265m (€295m) over five years, with Championship winners Leeds benefiting to the same tune as Brentford. Fulham would receive around £135m (€150m) over three years if they beat their fellow west Londoners, a reduced amount because they are currently in receipt of parachute payments after their relegation to the Championship in 2019.

Dan Jones, partner and head of the sports business group at Deloitte, said: "This season's Championship has been temporarily interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic; however, as the season comes to a close, all eyes will be on Wembley in what still remains world football's biggest financial, winner-takes-all, prize match. Despite the disruption to the season, the league has remained extremely competitive at the top-end of the table, and yet again the play-off semi-finals have provided supporters and neutral football fans with excellent entertainment."

Deloitte said the additional £160m is made up of an estimated £85m in central broadcasting distributions, and parachute payments over the 2021-'22 and 2022-'23 seasons totalling £75m if they are relegated next summer.

The figure is slightly down from the £170m Deloitte has estimated promoted sides would earn in previous seasons, due to anticipated rebates having to be paid to broadcasters for this season's disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The director of Deloitte's sports business group Tim Bridge said: "The financial prize for Brentford or Fulham, as well as Leeds United and West Bromwich Albion, is likely to be in excess of £265m (€295m) if they survive their first season in the Premier League.

"Furthermore, given the recent impact of Covid-19, it is likely that the financial impact of promotion will be better received than ever before."

Fulham manager Scott Parker will have top goalscorer Aleksandar Mitrovic available for tonight's showdown.

The Serbian missed both semi-final legs against Cardiff City with a hamstring injury, but has returned to training and is available for selection as the Cottagers look to secure a Premier League return.

Mitrovic scored 26 times in the Championship this season, the same as Brentford's Ollie Watkins, but clinched the golden boot ahead of his local rival after playing fewer minutes.

    Brentford v Fulham, Live, Sky Sports, 7.45



https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/brentford-eye-175m-windfall-from-winner-takes-all-derby-39421407.html

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Ex-Canaries midfielder ready for play-off final with Fulham after his best Championship season yet

Wembley awaits for former Norwich City loanee Harrison Reed this evening and the midfielder feels he has had his best Championship season yet ahead of Fulham's play-off final clash with Brentford.

Reed has made 27 appearances for the Cottagers this season despite missing two chunks of the season with a calf injury and has been a regular starter in central midfield for Scott Parker, including playing all of the 3-2 aggregate win over Cardiff in the play-off semi-finals.

This evening the 25-year-old Southampton loanee, who made 43 appearances for Norwich during Daniel Farke's first season on charge, will try to seal the first promotion of his career.

"Working under three great managers in the three years that I have been in the Championship has been huge for me," said Reed, who spent last season with Blackburn.

"I have had to deal with different challenges during those seasons and different expectations.

"I think this year has been the best for me, I feel like I have been at my best and that is down to everyone at this football club - I think there is a lot to come from me personally."

Former England midfielder Parker - who made six appearances for City when on loan from Charlton in 2000 - has been an ideal role model for the former England Under-20 international.

It has been a great experience for me," Reed continued, speaking to the EFL's website. "I speak to him every day and I have learnt a lot from him as he played the same position as me during his playing days; I listen to exactly what he says because of the knowledge that he has in that position.

"With the career that he has had, I want to learn off him as much as I can, and I think if I was to come here and not learn anything it would have been a disaster."

Fulham lost home and away to Brentford during the season as the Bees edged them into third place in the final table on goal difference

"This game is the biggest of my career so far and I am really looking forward to it," Reed added. "I have worked all my career to get to Wembley because I haven't actually played here before.

"I have had a couple of friends play there and I have spoken to them about it, but now it is my chance to do it and I hope we can come away with it with a promotion to the Premier League."



https://www.pinkun.com/norwich-city/ex-canaries-midfielder-ready-for-play-off-final-1-6775907