At 9 pm on August 18th, Brentford will host Crystal Palace in the first round of the Premier League. Both teams are in the middle and lower ranks of the Premier League. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points from their rivals at the beginning of the season.
In the 2023-24 Premier League season, Brentford finished 16th with 10 wins, 9 draws and 19 losses, collecting 39 points. Crystal Palace finished 10th with 13 wins, 10 draws and 15 losses, collecting 49 points.
In the summer transfer window, Brentford made significant moves, bringing in Thiago for €33 million and Carvalho for €23.4 million. In the previous two seasons, Thiago scored goals at a high rate during his time with Ludogorets and Club Brugge, but he is facing a long-term absence due to injury. Carvalho is a promising young talent. In terms of outgoings, the most notable was Raya, who was loaned to Arsenal last season and was bought by the Gunners for €31.9 million.
For Brentford, the opening schedule is quite tough. In the first five rounds, they have to face Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham, all BIG6 teams, away from home. This puts a lot of pressure on them. If they can’t win against Crystal Palace at home in the first round, they will be in a passive position from the start.
Crystal Palace’s investment was relatively limited. They brought in Ismaila Sarr for €15 million and Riyad for €15 million. Their 22-year-old striker Olise was sold to Bayern for £53 million. This will have a significant impact on their strength. In the highly competitive Premier League, it will be difficult for Crystal Palace to maintain their performance from last season.
Crystal Palace have three home games in the first five rounds, which is advantageous, but they also have to face Chelsea and Manchester United, two BIG6 teams.
In this match, Brentford will be without Joshua, Hickey and Thiago, who is the team’s most expensive signing this season, due to injury. Crystal Palace has a full squad.
In past head-to-head encounters, Brentford has a disadvantage with 1 win, 6 draws and 3 losses. In Brentford’s home stadium, the two teams have met previously, with Brentford maintaining an unbeaten record with 1 win and 4 draws.
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