Everton and Brentford's European Dream: A Premier League Surprise
Why not? Those words are likely echoing in the minds of David Moyes and Keith Andrews, the managers of Everton and Brentford, as they prepare for their crucial clash in west London this Saturday. Why not dare to dream of European football? Why not aim even higher than the Europa League or Conference League, and take a bold punt at the top five, which would secure coveted Champions League qualification?
From Relegation Fears to European Hopes
If someone had highlighted this mid-April fixture as a six-pointer when the Premier League schedule was first announced, many observers might have assumed it was due to a relegation battle. After all, Everton have spent the last five years nervously glancing over their shoulders rather than craning their necks upwards towards the European spots. Similarly, when Thomas Frank departed Brentford for Tottenham, numerous pundits tipped the Bees as a side in danger of dropping down the table, with his new employers in north London expected to be charging towards Europe—not the other way around.
Indeed, rookie coach Keith Andrews was written off by many outsiders after Brentford also sold key players Yoane Wissa, Bryan Mbeumo, and captain Christian Norgaard in the same summer transfer window. Yet, here we stand with just seven games remaining in the season. Brentford and Everton—coincidentally the tenants of the two newest stadiums in the Premier League—are both sitting on 46 points, a mere three points behind fifth-placed Liverpool.
The Goal-Scoring Heroes
Igor Thiago has spearheaded Brentford's impressive charge with an outstanding tally of 19 Premier League goals this season. On the Everton side, Iliman Ndiaye is one of four players who have netted six goals each, alongside teammates Beto, Thierno Barry, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Their contributions have been pivotal in transforming both clubs from potential strugglers into genuine European contenders.
The Complex European Qualification Picture
This week brought confirmation that the Premier League will secure at least five spots in the Champions League. However, the situation could become even more favourable for clubs like Everton and Brentford. If an English team qualifies by winning either the Champions League or Europa League, it would further bolster their chances. In total, England could potentially have a maximum of 11 teams competing in European competitions next season.
- Teams finishing in 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions will qualify for the Champions League.
- The 6th-placed team will enter the Europa League.
- The 7th-placed team will secure a spot in the Conference League.
- Nottingham Forest could reach the Champions League by winning the Europa League.
- Crystal Palace could make the Europa League by winning this year's Conference League.
- Leeds United or Southampton could qualify for the Europa League by winning the FA Cup.
- Liverpool, if they fail to finish in these automatic qualification spots, could still reach the Champions League by winning the competition this year.
The Challenging Run-In
Chelsea, who Everton thrashed 3-0 in their last outing three weeks ago, currently occupy sixth place. However, Liam Rosenior's side are on a rotten run of form, with just one win in their last six league matches ahead of daunting fixtures against Manchester City and Manchester United in the coming week.
Liverpool are not faring much better. They have not won a league game since February and face a tough run-in, with every remaining fixture against top-half teams. This includes matches against both of the disruptors, Everton—in the first Hill Dickinson Stadium Merseyside Derby—and Brentford.
So, why not dream? The path to European football is more open than ever, and for Everton and Brentford, it represents a remarkable turnaround from preseason expectations. Presuming none of the additional qualification scenarios materialise, seventh place—currently held by Brentford—will still guarantee a place in the Conference League, adding another layer of intrigue to this thrilling Premier League finale.
