This game looks a tough one to call. Palace will be hampered by key players making deep runs in international tournaments and therefore being either unavailable or not fully match-sharp, which probably makes this encounter more prospectively even given Palace wouldn't been slight favourites otherwise.
Yoane Wissa looks set to start up top again and was Brentford's top goalscorer last season with 12 goals, registering an average of 2.42 shots per 90 minutes. As far as the Bees are concerned, he looks a good bet to get on the scoresheet.
Five of the last six head-to-head meetings between these two sides have ended in a draw, and with Brentford having home advantage in this one, we expect it to end that way again. Brentford 1-1 Crystal Palace.
Brentford vs Crystal Palace - Predictions, Picks And Betting Odds
As the new Premier League season kicks off this weekend, Brentford and Crystal Palace are set to face off in what promises to be a fascinating encounter.
Date: 18/08/2024
Kick-off time: 14:00
Location: Brentford Community Stadium, Brentford
Brentford’s journey in the Premier League has been largely euphoric. However, last season, their third in the top flight, was their most challenging yet. Finishing 16th, the Bees were often caught in a struggle for survival. The season was marked by a series of unfortunate absences, most notably the prolonged ban of their star striker Ivan Toney, who missed over half the season. Toney’s absence left a gaping hole in Brentford’s attack, depriving them of the clinical edge that had been so crucial in their rise.
It wasn’t just Toney who missed out. The team was also without key defenders for significant portions of the season. Rico Henry, a crucial presence at left-back, managed only five appearances before injury sidelined him. Aaron Hickey, on the opposite flank, was similarly limited, featuring in just nine games. Bryan Mbuemo, another vital attacking option, also spent much of the season on the treatment table. These absences undoubtedly took their toll, leaving Brentford vulnerable at both ends of the pitch.
Despite these challenges, Brentford managed to scrape through, in part due to the poor performances of the three newly promoted sides, all of whom were relegated. However, their survival should not mask the underlying issues that plagued their season. Manager Thomas Frank will be acutely aware that relying on the misfortune of others is not a sustainable strategy, knowing his side need to deliver a better showing this time around in what is expected to be a stronger league at the bottom end of the table.
Looking to address their attacking frailties, Brentford made a significant summer signing in Brazilian striker Igor Thiago, who arrived from Club Brugge for over €30 million. With 29 goals in 55 games for the Belgian side, Thiago brings a much-needed cutting edge to the Brentford attack. However, fans will have to wait to see him in action as an injury picked up in preseason means he will miss the first few months of the campaign.
Brentford have also signed young Portuguese attacker Fábio Carvalho from Liverpool, a very talented and versatile player who feels on the verge of a breakout season at the top level.
On the brighter side, Brentford have managed to retain most of their top talent over the summer, a feat that should provide them with some much-needed stability. With key players hopefully returning to full fitness and the prospect of Thiago eventually leading the line, Brentford have reasons to be cautiously optimistic. While they are unlikely to be challenging for European spots, they should have enough quality to secure their Premier League status for another season.
Crystal Palace, in contrast to Brentford, are coming off the back of a season that finished on a high. The first half of last season was tumultuous, with the club struggling under the management of Roy Hodgson. However, the arrival of Oliver Glasner in mid-February transformed the team’s fortunes. Under Glasner’s guidance, Palace adopted a more dynamic and attacking style of play, making them one of the most entertaining sides to watch in the latter stages of the campaign.
Central to this transformation was the attacking trio of Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, and Jean-Philippe Mateta. Eze and Olise, in particular, thrived under Glasner, becoming the creative heartbeat of the team. Olise, with his flair and vision, also played a pivotal role in Palace’s resurgence. However, this summer saw Olise’s departure to Bayern Munich in a big-money move, leaving a significant void in the Eagles’ attack.
The loss of Olise is a blow, but Palace have moved quickly to bolster their ranks. Chadi Riad has been brought in from Real Betis to reinforce the defence, while Ismaïla Sarr, signed from Marseille, adds pace and width to the attack. The acquisition of Daichi Kamada from Lazio on a free transfer could also prove to be a shrewd piece of business. Kamada, a versatile attacking midfielder, brings experience and creativity, though the absence of Olise is still likely to be palpably felt.
Another area of concern for Palace is the potential departure of Marc Guéhi. The talented centre-back is reportedly attracting serious interest from Newcastle, and if he leaves, it would further weaken Palace’s defence. Guéhi’s partnership with Joachim Andersen has been the bedrock of Palace’s solidity, and his exit would leave a significant gap to fill.
Despite these changes, Palace’s squad still possesses considerable quality. Eze remains a key figure, and Mateta’s goalscoring ability will be crucial as Palace look to push on from their 10th-place finish last season. The addition of Kamada and Sarr should provide Glasner with the tools to continue his attacking philosophy, though much will depend on how quickly the new signings can adapt to the demands of the Premier League.
As the Premier League season gets underway, Brentford and Crystal Palace find themselves with different objectives. Brentford’s primary aim will be to secure their place in the top flight and avoid the stress of last season. With a more settled squad and the eventual introduction of Igor Thiago, they will hope to find the consistency that eluded them last year.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, have their sights set on a more ambitious target. A mid-table finish, with the possibility of challenging for a top-half spot, seems within reach if they can maintain the momentum from the latter part of last season.
Where To Watch Brentford vs Crystal Palace
Premier League matches can be watched on Peacock, NBCSN, NBC and the NBC sports app.
Team News
Brentford Team News:
Striker Igor Thiago will have to wait to make his competitive debut for the club as he works his way back to full fitness following an injury problem.
Ivan Toney may have to settle for a place in the bench as he chases full match fitness.
New signing Fabio Carvalho should be involved, but likely off the bench since he's played no part in the team's preseason.
Palace will likely be without Jean-Philippe Mateta, who will need a few weeks rest after competing for France at the Olympic Games this summer.
New signings Chadi Riad and Daichi Kamada look in line to start for the Eagles, but Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton may both lack match fitness after being part of England's Euro 2024 campaign.
Brentford ended last season in mixed form, winning two, drawing one and losing two of their last five games. The Bees hammered Luton Town 5-1 away from home before losing 1-0 to Everton and drawing 0-0 with Fulham. Brentford then beat Bournemouth 2-1 away from home, before losing 2-4 to Newcastle United on their own patch in the final game of the season.
Preseason hasn't been all that impressive from a results perspective either, with Brentford beating AFC Wimbledon 5-2, losing 3-1 to Estrela while drawing with each of Benfica (1-1), Watford (1-1) and Wolfsburg (4-4).
Palace ended last season on fire as they went unbeaten in their final five games of the campaign. Glasner's side beat Newcastle 2-0, drew 1-1 with Fulham then beat Manchester United (4-0), Wolverhampton Wanderers (3-1) and Aston Villa (5-0).
The Eagles' results in preseason have been very good, with Palace drawing 1-1 against Charlton Athletic before beating all of Crawley Town (6-3), Wolverhampton Wanderers (3-1) and West Ham United (3-1).
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