2. Brentford
After some poor mid-season form effectively ended Brentford’s season early, Dean Smith has been quietly laying the foundations for a Play-Off push next season.
Since returning from his loan spell at Eibar, Spanish playmaker Jota has been arguably the division’s best player, hitting 10 goals from midfield in 15 starts, and Lasse Vibe’s 14 goals have made up for the departure of top scorer Scott Hogan to Aston VIlla.
11th place seems like an average season for The Bees, but with a goal difference of plus 10 and the 5th best goalscoring record in the division, Smith’s side are gaining a reputation for playing entertaining attacking football.
Recent 5-3 and 4-0 wins over Burton Albion and Derby County have shown why Brentford are a team to be feared going into next season.
1. Fulham
Slavisa Jokanovic’s Fulham side had a slow start to this season, but after gaining some heavy momentum around January they’ve become arguably the most entertaining side in the league.
No team in the Championship has scored more goals (75), averages more possession (59.1%) or more shots per game (15.5) than Jokanovic’s side, making it clear to see why The Whites are sitting in 7th place, caught up in a fight for a Play-Off place.
Playing a similar system to that of Jaap Stam’s Reading side, Fulham knock the ball around much quicker than The Royals, thus making them much more of an attacking threat. This was showcased when they hammered Stam’s side 5-0 earlier in the season.
It was a perfect performance in all departments and if Jokanovic can keep his side scoring goals then they look on course for a Play-Off spot.
