Brentford and Fulham set for key derby clash
Keith Andrews and Marco Silva both insist they are fully aware of the significance of this weekend’s derby between Brentford and Fulham.
Saturday’s game is hugely important to both clubs, with each of them chasing European football – Brentford are still in the running for a Champions League place.
“These local derbies are more important than the others,” said Fulham boss Silva.
“They are the main ones fanbase feel is more special, definitely. At the end of the day you are here to work to achieve points, to get good results, to be proud of your position in the table.
“But the main thing is of course to make the people that love the football club are proud of the work. A game like this one is always having an impact on them.
Silva still believes Fulham can break points record.#ffc pic.twitter.com/YxXKOcxF8i
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“The early kick-off on a Saturday, you can make them have a good weekend that they deserve – and let’s work for it.
“Lucky for the fans, because we have been working very, very hard. The last few seasons we have been giving them good feelings after these types of special games. That’s what we can give them again.”
Fulham have won the past three matches between the two sides, including a dramatic 3-2 triumph last season.
Bees boss Andrews said: “We’ve got fans that work here who, from the second I came in, were very forthright about the important games. In recent seasons we haven’t got the better of them and that doesn’t sit well with me.”
Andrews is able to select Aaron Hickey, who is available again after injury, but Rico Henry and Vitaly Janlet remain out.
“He (Hickey) has been missing for a number of weeks, so it will be nice to get him back involved. He was close last weekend, but he’s had a good week’s training,” Andrews explained.
“The other two just aren’t ready right now. We’ve got five or six weeks left of the season and hopefully they can play a part.”
Jordan Henderson is nearing a return but Saturday’s game is expected to come too soon for him to be involved.
For Fulham, Kenny Tete and Kevin are still sidelined but Harrison Reed is back in contention.
