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.
Read Joe Rindl’s full piece here
