Many predicted Brentford to be relegated this season. Instead, the Bees are thriving and sit sixth in the Premier League, a position that might just earn them a spot in the Champions League.
Over the summer, Brentford lost their manager, captain, and star forward. But under new boss Keith Andrews, the team has defied expectations. With three games remaining, they hold sixth place, just four points clear of 12th-placed Sunderland in a tightly contested race.
How Sixth Could Lead to Champions League
The Premier League secured an extra Champions League place in April, meaning the top five qualify automatically. Sixth place could also earn a spot if Aston Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth. However, if Villa win the Europa League but finish in the top four, the extra spot would go to the league champions with the best Uefa coefficient—potentially Rangers if they win the Scottish Premiership.
Brentford fans will be watching Villa's Europa League semi-final closely. Villa trail 1-0 after the first leg against Nottingham Forest but host the second leg on Thursday. The winners face Braga or Freiburg in the final on 20 May.
'We'll Keep Pushing'
Manager Keith Andrews, in his first club management role, remains focused. "It's tight. We've had a special season so far and I want us to continue that. We'll just keep pushing," he told BBC Match of the Day.
Despite Newcastle sitting 13th, six points behind, captain Bruno Guimaraes insists the race is far from over. The drama promises to continue until the final whistle of the season.