From the Press Box: Silva looks ahead to pivotal West London derby

Jack Kelly briefs the fans after the latest Marco Silva press conference.

Fulham’s trip to the Gtech tomorrow has a lot more on the line than just bragging rights.

The Bees hover just three points about Fulham, and could extend that gap to six points, or find themselves only above Silva’s side by goal difference.

For Fulham, it really is must win. A draw doesn’t benefit the Whites; suffer a loss and most fans will declare that as season over. The memories of last season’s visit to Brentford will still be fresh in the memory for both sets of fans. A 2-3 win in which Fulham came from behind to break their all-time record points tally in the Premier League. The perfect farewell gift to Thomas Frank.

There’s a lot at stake on Saturday afternoon. Although Fulham have beaten the Bees in their last three matchups, a win for the hosts would take them a step closer to European football and all-but end Fulham’s hopes on the same fate. That would be a bitter pill to swallow.

Marco Silva confirmed that Kenny Tete remains out with a foot injury. Kevin is back running, but it’s too soon for the Brazilian to return to action. Harrison Reed is in contention after missing Liverpool away last week.

Silva understands the importance of the derby, but also notes it as a pivotal game for the club in their quest for European football. With six games to go, time is running out to pick up points, and Fulham have failed to score in four of their last five games in all competitions.

“These local derbies are more important than the others. Luckily for us that in London you have many, we have two big ones (Brentford and Chelsea)”, said Silva.

“They are the main ones for the fan base you 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 proud of the work. A game like this one is always having an impact on them.

“The early kick-off on a Saturday, you can make them have a good weekend that they deserve and let’s work for it”, said the boss.

“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 tomorrow.”

The derby means a lot to the fans. There’s always needle between these two sets of supporters. I aim to keep myself measured and professional in the press box regardless of the outcome, but in these fixtures, it always has that extra spice.

Sasa Lukic and Emile Smith Rowe has positive cameos off the bench last weekend. Silva may ring the changes as Fulham go in search for back-to-back wins at the Gtech.

Of course Harry Wilson has been the man of the moment in this fixture, with four goals in his last three appearances against Brentford - all ending in three points for Fulham. Can he do it once more tomorrow?

This really is the last chance for Fulham. There is a clutter of teams all vying for those European places, and luckily Fulham are still within touching distance of seventh and eighth place.

I’m looking forward to the game tomorrow, fingers crossed we can get the desired result and keep our season alive.

COYW!