Brentford (A): Pre-match thoughts, team news, possible line-up and prediction

It's been a season that has gone on for ever. With the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, 23/24 has really given the club everything it has had to offer.

Two cup runs, incredible 'pinch-me' moments of our return to the Champions League, winning 8-0 in the Premier League... it's been one hell of a ride.

Mainly, it has been a ride plagued with injuries, suspensions and rumour. But we face Brentford knowing that a win would give us some chance of European qualification next season. Back-to-back European places would be such an incredible achievement for this club given where we have been over the last five years.

Just this trip to Brentford - to cap off and end this season full of equal parts elation and distress.

One thing we will want to leave behind in this season is our away form, which has not been sparkling. It's an area boss Eddie Howe has been addressing:

"Just look at the numbers, we've conceded far too many goals on the road this season. Our defending has to be key for us," he said. "We're going to try come back a tighter team. Our goalscoring has been good both home and away. But I felt we left goals on the pitch on Wednesday. Areas to improve in both aspects.

"It's a big last day for us, no denying that. We go to Brentford knowing we have to do our part, which is win the game. Then we're in the hands of other clubs. The players are determined to finish on an high."

Team news

Anthony Gordon took a knock to his ankle after being raked down by Sofyan Amrabat at Old Trafford. While it wasn't enough for VAR to give a penalty (somehow?!), it could be enough to see him miss out on the final game of the season. However, Callum Wilson is expected to be back in the squad.

Meanwhile the Bees will have to check on the injured Nathan Collins and Frank Onyeka, but the Premier League's resident s***house Neal Maupay should be back in the squad after the birth of his child.

Predicted line-up: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Hall; Bruno, Longstaff, Joelinton; Almiron, Isak, Barnes.

I think Nick Pope may start, although I am not certain on this. With Livramento out, Trippier is a shoe-in to start, while Hall should keep his place on the other side of the back four.

It would be nice to see Joelinton in from the start, although I am unsure as to whether Howe may take that risk. The front three could see Almiron return, with Gordon currently a doubt amid rumours he's not travelled with the squad.

Prediction: Brentford 1-1 Newcastle

This side has a poor habit of not hitting the heights of what is required when there is something on the line. Think Man U (twice), think Leicester at home last season...

I don't think we'll lose, but I worry that we'll have to rely on Brighton to do us a favour against Man U.

(Future me, did the reverse psychology work?)

HWTL!