Thomas Frank has called for supporters to be at their "very best on Sunday" as Brentford pursue their first ever European qualification, albeit unlikely after the FA Cup final. 

The Bees host Fulham and know finishing eighth could be enough to secure a place in the Europa Conference League next year, but that will rely on Chelsea's result in their final in that competition against Real Betis. 

Brentford are currently eighth in the Premier League table, level on points with Brighton and two clear of Bournemouth heading into their penultimate matchday.

"We can't control it," Frank said. "Unfortunately, it's not only up to us. Right now, we're eighth with two games to go. We can win both games, we can lose both games - that's the beauty of this wonderful league.

"We're playing against two strong teams. It'll be two even games, starting with a west London derby against Fulham. I have big belief we can win, but I'm sure Fulham think the same."

Frank's side are unbeaten in their last three home matches and will be hoping to end their campaign that way before they go on the road to Wolves on the final day.

"We really need the fans, they have been very good this season, and we need them at their very, very best on Sunday," Frank added. "We really need their help, as it means the world to have their support to push us forward."

Marco Silva, meanwhile, is relishing another London derby against Frank and Brentford, with the Cottagers boss expecting another competitive encounter.

There has been nothing to separate Fulham and Brentford in the Premier League, with two wins apiece and one draw in the five meetings to date.

"We have been together the last three seasons, and the games have been very, very good, all these emotional games, all these games with goals," Silva said.

"We know that we are going to be playing against a very good side, very well managed from Thomas. He's been there a really long, long time, and knows the club very well, knows the players very well and the competition.

"About Thomas, he's doing a very good job, and that is the reason why most of the time the last three seasons, both teams have been very close to each other on the table.

"The reality is that it's a local derby, an important game for both clubs, and that is the main thing, that we want to win and to achieve a good result and to give the fans something important next Sunday."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brentford – Kevin Schade

Schade has scored four goals in his last three Premier League games for Brentford, as many as he had in his previous 20.

Six of his last seven goals in the competition have either put the Bees ahead in the match or been the winning goal (or both).

Fulham – Raul Jimenez

Jiminez's last 11 Premier League goals have either put Fulham in the lead (eight) or drawn them level (three) but that wasn't enough against Everton last time out.

The Mexican is Fulham's top scorer in the league this season with 11, and he will be out to add to that tally against a team he has not scored against in four outings against them.

MATCH PREDICTION: BRENTFORD WIN

Brentford have won five of their last seven home league games against Fulham, with the exceptions being a 2-0 loss in November 2016 and a 0-0 draw last season.

The Bees have also won each of their last four Premier League games. They last won more consecutive league games in the same campaign between March and July 2020 (eight), while only once have they won five in a row in the top-flight (between February and March 1939).

But inconsistency has been a key downfall for Frank's side on home turf at the end of the season. Brentford have alternated between victory (three) and defeat (three) in their final home league game in each of the last six campaigns, losing 4-2 against Newcastle United last term.

Following their 2-1 win in the reverse fixture at Craven Cottage, Fulham are looking to complete their first league double over Brentford since 1947-48 in the second tier.

Fulham beat Luton Town 4-2 last season but haven't won their final away league game in consecutive campaigns since 2007-08 and 2008-09 (vs Portsmouth and Newcastle).

And Silva will be hoping that if his team get in front, they can hold on to their advantage. No side has dropped more points from winning positions than Fulham in the Premier League this season, with their 28 also their highest in a single campaign in the competition.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Brentford – 48%

Draw – 23.9%

Fulham – 28.1%