Brentford head coach Keith Andrews is gearing up for a pivotal Premier League clash against Crystal Palace this Sunday at the Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST), and the buzz around the squad is palpable. With just two games left in the season, the Bees are eyeing a potential European spot, and Andrews has been sharing his thoughts on the team's mindset, injury updates, and some well-deserved award recognition.

First, the team news: Andrews expects the lineup to "probably be very similar" to the one that faced Manchester City last weekend, but there's a silver lining. After getting valuable minutes at the Etihad, Jordan Henderson, Vitaly Janelt, and Aaron Hickey are set to give the squad "more options to come off the bench." However, fans hoping to see Rico Henry back in action will have to wait—the left-back, sidelined since March with a hamstring injury, isn't expected to return before the season ends.

When asked about the excitement of potentially securing European football before the final day, Andrews was measured but confident. "What I do know is they will be really focused, if training is anything to go by this week," he said. "There has been a real intent and edge to everything we have done. We know what a big game it is for us." That intensity could be just what Brentford needs to push past a tough Palace side.

Off the pitch, the club is celebrating a major milestone: three nominations for the Premier League's end-of-season awards. Andrews called it "huge for the club to get that type of recognition," adding that "it doesn't happen without everybody rowing in the same direction and pushing really hard." He also singled out nominees Igor Thiago and Michael Kayode, describing them as "two very different individuals, with two very different stories." Despite their differences, both share a burning passion. "They are probably the most passionate players we have," Andrews noted. "They are a joy to be around. The levels they have produced this year have been pretty special."

Reflecting on his first season as head coach, Andrews expressed "real pride" in the group he's built. "It's a really humble group that is also really hungry," he said, emphasizing their drive to hit new heights. As for his decision to delay talking about European football until now, he admitted it was "more instinctive really." With two games left, the stakes are clear—and Brentford is ready to seize the moment.