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'Specific permutation' could see Brentford reach Champions League
TL;DR
Brentford, initially predicted to be relegated, is now close to qualifying for the Champions League. A specific permutation could allow them to secure a spot instead of the Europa League.
Key points
- Brentford is close to European qualification
- A specific permutation could secure a Champions League spot
- The Premier League has an extra Champions League spot
BrentfordChampions LeaguePremier League
[Getty Images]
Many predicted Brentford to go down this season, but instead they are on the cusp of European qualification.
A very specific permutation would allow Brentford - or whoever grabs sixth place - to sneak into Europe's premier competition rather than the Europa League.
The Premier League secured an extra Champions League spot back in April, meaning the top five teams will qualify for the league stage of next year's competition.
Sixth would also get a team into next season's Champions League if Aston Villa win the Europa League and finish fifth in the Premier League.
Because of the order in which Champions League berths are decided - European titles are allocated before the Premier League's additional spot - sixth will not be good enough for the Champions League if Aston Villa win the Europa League and finish in the Premier League top four.
Instead, Villa will qualify via their league position and the place reserved for the Europa League winners will be passed to the league champions in qualifying with the best Uefa coefficient.
That could be Rangers, if they win the Scottish Premiership.
Therefore, Brentford fans should be keeping a keen eye on Villa's Europa League semi-final tie against Nottingham Forest.
Unai Emery's side lost the first leg 1-0, but will be playing at home for the second leg on Thursday night.
The winner will face either Braga or Freiburg in the Europa League final on 20 May.
Q&A
What specific permutation could allow Brentford to qualify for the Champions League?
A specific permutation involving the final league standings could enable Brentford to secure a Champions League spot if they finish in sixth place.
How many teams from the Premier League qualify for the Champions League?
The Premier League now has six teams qualifying for the Champions League, with the top five teams securing spots in the league stage.
Why were Brentford initially predicted to be relegated this season?
Brentford was predicted to be relegated due to their performance expectations and the competitive nature of the Premier League.