Brentford boss Thomas Frank already has the Championship play-offs in his sights but is aware of the importance of his side’s next two fixtures.
Sitting fourth and just five points ahead of seventh placed Bristol, finishing in the top-six is no guarantee for Brentford, but Frank is confident his men will get over the line with nine games to go.
“Nine games? Nine plus three,” he said insinuating they’ll make the play-off final at Wembley.
With a short journey to Fulham’s Craven Cottage on Friday night, Brentford can extend the gap from Bristol to eight points before their early kick off against late comers to the play-off party, Blackburn Rovers.
Picking up three points at their third placed West London rivals won’t see the Bees leapfrog their opponents, but with Leeds next up for Scott Parker’s men, Frank knows it’s a huge opportunity to make a charge for third.
“Every game has its own history,” he said.
“But this game’s important, it’s a local derby, they’re one of the best teams in the division, I’m looking forward to it.”
And so he should.
On the back of a thumping 5-0 win over Sheffield Wednesday last weekend, the Bees have seemingly turned a corner after five games without a win.
Despite the lack of points picked up in February, Frank never lost belief in his side and felt it was a matter of fine margins where points were thrown away.
“There are a lot of people talking about February being a tough month,” he added.
“Leeds had a good month, but their blip was over Christmas.
“We’ve just seemed to lack that bit of energy, fitness, it’s been marginal.
“If we had the win at Blackburn, Rico (Henry) doesn’t slip against Luton and clears it before they score, maybe we win.
“Things change.”
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