In-form Brentford continue their unexpected push for European qualification on Saturday (15:00 GMT) when they host a Brighton side sliding down the league table.
Current Premier League pacesetters
Two points off the top six and into the FA Cup fifth round for only the second time in 20 seasons, Brentford are making a mockery of last summer's widespread predictions of struggle.
A deserved draw against league leaders Arsenal in their most recent top-flight fixture means Brentford have earned 20 points from their past 10 matches – the most of any side, with the Gunners and both Manchester clubs a point behind.
In doing so, Brentford have doubled their tally for the season to 40 points. That's just one adrift of their highest figure after 26 Premier League games, set in 2022-23 when they ended the campaign with a club record of 59 points.
This season's form has been underpinned by having the division's sixth-best home record. In fact, last April's 4-2 victory over Brighton started a run of 31 points from their past 16 league matches at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Goal-shy Albion
In contrast to Saturday's hosts, Brighton are out of the FA Cup and horribly out of form. Their only win in 13 Premier League games since December came against Burnley, with no side managing fewer victories during that period.
Last weekend's FA Cup exit against Liverpool was a third straight defeat without scoring. Brighton failed to take their chances during that tie, with Diego Gomez and Lewis Dunk both spurning good opportunities to equalise at Anfield.
Albion are too often struggling to mount an attacking threat. In Premier League games this season, they are averaging 13 shots, four shots on target and 27 touches in the opposition penalty area – all their lowest averages since 2021-22.
Milner time?
On a more welcome note, 40-year-old James Milner could make an outright record 654th Premier League appearance, surpassing Gareth Barry's mark. Milner's top-flight debut in November 2002 came a day after Brentford lost away to Crewe in the third tier.
If he plays, Milner might finally face the only person with at least 100 Premier League appearances during the past 24 seasons who he has never played with or against – Brentford defender Nathan Collins.