Before The Whistle: Fulham v Brentford
Written by Drew Heatley on 18th August 2023
I think I speak for most of us when I say: it’s a bit too bloody early for such an intense game!
I feel like you need to build your emotional callouses over the season for games like Brentford. But alas, here we are.
The good news is we have a modicum of momentum, if that is such a thing at this stage in the season. The win at Goodison will boost the lads ahead of our first home game. Brentford, of course, won’t be bashful, having gained a credible point against a Spurs side embarking on its post-Kane era last weekend.
The Mitro saga rumbles on, and after reports of a refreshed Al Hilal bid this week that’s edging closer to our £52m valuation, I’d expect him to stay on the bench, with Raul Jimenez leading the attack.
Many have mentioned giving Calvin Bassey the nod at centre-back after a less-than-perfect performance from a returning Tim Ream against Everton. It will be interesting to see who partners Issa Diop, but one thing’s for sure: you never count out our American hero.
Then there’s Joao Palhinha. He’s announced he’s back via his Instagram – a lot earlier than many of us feared. Marco’s shown with Ream that if you’re back in full training, you can be thrown back into the starting XI, so I’d not be surprised to see him start in a tweaked midfield combo.
It’s been dubbed the derby we must not lose. A point or more would make it a more-than-acceptable start to the season, ahead of some grim fixtures coming up. You Whites.
ℹ️ MATCH DETAILS
Kick-Off: Saturday, 3:00PM
Stadium: Craven Cottage
Competition: Premier League
TV Channel (UK): None
⚖️ MATCH PROBABILITY
Fulham: 35.7%
Draw: 29.4%
Brentford: 34.9%
🥊 MOST RECENT MATCHES
Mar 23: Brentford 3-2 Fulham
Aug 22: Fulham 3-2 Brentford
Oct 20: Brentford 3-0 Fulham
Aug 20: Brentford 1-2 Fulham
🎙 NEW PODCAST: Mitro Bee Gone?
A look-ahead to Saturday’s derby against Brentford, plus what to make of Al-Hilal’s latest bid…
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