Brentford and Bournemouth have both been brilliant for the Premier League since their arrivals and would be well worth their spot through the back door in the Champions League.
A Breath of Fresh Air
The path to European qualification has become somewhat complicated. But what is very simple is just how good it would be to see a different club, like Brentford or Bournemouth, in the Champions League. And it can happen. More easily than you might think. It would be such a breath of fresh air, a big reward for what these clubs have done and are doing and they would deserve it.
Brentford's Remarkable Journey
Let’s be honest. Few gave Brentford much of a chance when Keith Andrews took over from Thomas Frank and they also made big sales like Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa, Christian Norgaard and Mark Flekken. But they have got even stronger. Andrews has been nothing short of incredible. Brentford are hard to beat, the atmosphere at the stadium is rocking, they have kept the fans onside and this is an advert of how to run a Premier League club. Andrews does not just deserve a medal. He deserves European football. They would be great in the Europa League or Champions League. Why not dream? They have got Igor Thiago, they have bought well, replaced and strengthened. It’s a brilliant story.
Bournemouth's Success Under Iraola
It is similar for Bournemouth. Andoni Iraola is on his way this summer but not before his latest miracle. Sell huge talent like Antoine Semenyo, make around £200m - and then re-invest and go again. Their recruitment is something else. It is fantastic to see. They are a great side to watch, play good football and are run by smart people. And whenever you go there, they are so welcoming and friendly. They are a great advert for the top flight.
Champions League Qualification Scenarios
And both of them are in the hunt for sixth place. And what will that mean? Well, if Aston Villa finish fifth and win the Europa League (which could happen) then sixth will get you into the Champions League. The Premier League has already got five Champions League places thanks to the UEFA Coefficients based on how the teams have performed this season. There is a quirk in that if Villa finish in the top four and win the Europa League then the extra Champions League place does not pass down. But if they finish fifth it does and the Premier League gets six spots like we’ve had this season.
Chelsea have gone off the boil but will be there or thereabouts. Maybe the players will learn the heard way about switching off if they miss out on the Champions League. But there are plenty of European places up for grabs. Crystal Palace would step up into the Europa League if they win the Europa Conference League. Chelsea could make it independently by winning the FA Cup just like Palace did last season.
Conclusion
But it would be great to see new teams, new faces and new clubs get rewarded. It would be good for the league and English football.
