Prediction: Brentford vs Swansea

Prediction: Swansea win

Best Odds: 17/4

Bookmaker: 888sport

Wembley is in sight for the four Championship clubs featuring in the playoffs, but after the first leg of the two semi-finals, the advantage is certainly with Fulham and Swansea City. The latter took control of their tie against Brentford, and tomorrow night, they’ll battle once again with a place in the final at stake. We’ve seen some crazy comebacks and moments in second leg games over the years, and both clubs will be hoping that they can enter themselves into the history books for all the right reasons.

Brentford

A few weeks back, when West Bromwich Albion began to falter, it seemed like a foregone conclusion that Brentford would swoop in and claim the second automatic promotion slot. Alas, they couldn’t quite keep their miraculous run of form going, meaning that they’ll have to get the job done the hard way if they want to gain promotion to the Premier League. After what we all saw in the first leg, it’s going to take an absolutely huge push from the squad on Wednesday night.

Team News

Henry’s controversial red card in the first leg means that he will play no role in this game, whereas Karelis is the only long-term injury problem they’ll have to deal with.

Swansea

They haven’t been out of the top flight for all too long, and now, Swansea are just two games away from giving Welsh football a representative in England’s top tier. Nobody expected them to even qualify for the playoffs heading into the final day of the season, but they overcame the odds to sneak in and qualify for the semi-finals. They’ll look towards Wycombe Wanderers’ promotion as a sign that edging your way towards promotion is more than possible – especially in such uncertain times.

Team News

Routledge is a doubt for the game due to a knock he picked up on the final day, whereas Swansea have four confirmed injuries: Woodman, Wilmot, Rodon and Byers.

Factors to Consider

• Swansea won the first leg of this semi-final 1-0 thanks to a late Ayew goal.
• Brentford have won three and lost three of their last six games.
• Swansea have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• Brentford have scored seven goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Swansea have scored 11 goals and conceded five in their last six games.

Conclusion

There just seems to be an absence of spirit in this Brentford team over the last few weeks, to the point where it’s hard to imagine them overturning this deficit. Swansea look compact and organised, and they’re clearly riding a huge wave of momentum. We’d like to think the hosts will put up something of a fight as they prepare to wave goodbye to Griffin Park, but in the end, there’s only one route this is going to go – and that’s the Swans booking their place in the Championship playoff final at Wembley.

Prediction: Swansea win

Best Odds: 17/4

Bookmaker: 888sport