Brentford head coach Thomas Frank believes Saturday’s showdown with rivals Fulham has the potential to be one of the best games in the Championship this season

The two sides are separated by just two points going into the game at Griffin Park, with the Bees sitting in seventh, and the visitors in third.

With both teams renowned for playing some of the most attractive football in the division, spectators are sure to be treated to a festive footballing feast in South West London this weekend.

And Frank knows that despite Fulham coming into the fixture on the back of two consecutive defeats, following up his side's 2-1 victory over Cardiff on Wednesday will be far from straight forward.

“We know we are very difficult to play against at Griffin Park, but Fulham will not like to come here. They’re under pressure because they need to go up to the Premier League,” the Dane said.

“I think they are one of the best sides in the division in terms of the way they play, so I think it will be a very interesting game to watch on Saturday.

“If both teams give their top performance it will be an extremely entertaining game, it could potentially be one of the best games of the season, I’m looking forward to it.”

Wednesday’s victory at Griffin Park over the Bluebirds was another statement sent out by the Bees, as they dispatched Neil Harris’ men thanks to goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Ollie Watkins.

And after some excellent rear-guard action to claim all three points, Frank is confident his side have the resilience to start seeing out games as they aim for the playoffs.

“This Brentford team has shown that desire and willpower to defend everything that’s thrown against them, so I must praise them for that,” he added.

“I must say though, I would prefer that we were more controlled with the ball, we gave the ball away too quickly, instead of passing and moving and keeping the ball. We need to be more cool in these games going forward.”

This is just one of a number of crunch clashes for the Bees as the festive period approaches, and with fixtures against West Brom and Swansea to come, keeping the momentum going will be key.

Their imperious form at Griffin Park will give them confidence, with just two defeats at home all season and going into this one on the back of three consecutive home wins.

Fulham have suffered consecutive 2-1 defeats to Bristol City and Preston North End in their past two games, and will be looking to get back to winning ways.

Denis Odoi saw red for The Cottagers at Deepdale and will miss the trip to Griffin Park, but Scott Parker will be able to call on the services of Tom Cairney after missing the match in midweek.

History is on the Bees’ side, with Fulham only emerging victorious in one of the last eight meetings between the two.

If Frank’s side can recreate the scintillating football they put on show in last season’s 3-1 home victory, they could end the weekend in the play-off positions.