Graphic by @FinPSD
Whilst many Premier League clubs will be going into the new season looking for a fresh start, Crystal Palace will be hoping they can continue their streak of seven consecutive games without defeat, dating back to April.
It won't be easy - wonderkid Michael Olise has left to join Bayern Munich, and six of their starters only returned to training in the last two weeks due to their international commitments. However, there's also a sense of familiarity: Palace will play Brentford in the Premier League for the fourth August running, and in only one of those games did Michael Olise feature.
Uncertainty is a common theme between the two clubs, with questions surrounding the futures of Palace's Marc Guehi and Brentford's Ivan Toney. Oliver Glasner confirmed that Guehi would play this weekend during his Friday press conference, however, it remains to be seen if Toney will start for the Bees.
Should Marc Guehi be sold, Maxence Lacroix is currently Oliver Glasner's preferred choice to replace him, with Florian Plettenburg reporting on Friday that Palace have already agreed personal terms with the young centre-back. Coincidentally, the 24-year-old scored against Brentford last week in the Bees' final pre-season friendly, as they drew 4-4 with Wolfsburg.
Maxence Lacroix scores for Wolfsburg against Brentford (Credit: Getty Images)
Palace have significant interest in signing Robin Gosens, who would offer much-needed competition to Tyrick Mitchell. The German international is currently the most-likely option to fill that role at LWB, with potential deals for Archie Brown and Filip Kostic also being explored.
From a Palace perspective, a win on Sunday would set the tone for a season surrounded with optimism and ambition. Anything less shouldn't dent the mood in the Palace camp too much - it will take time for the internationals and new signings to gel, but when they do, the Eagles will likely have the best team in their modern history.
Early Team News
Crystal Palace and Brentford both have their Brazilian talents unavailable for this clash - Matheus Franca suffered a broken rib and is out for at least 4 weeks, and the Bees' record signing Igor Thiago has been ruled out due to meniscus injury he picked up in pre-season.
Rico Henry was debatably Brentford's most-important player at the start of last season before tearing his ACL, and will be unavailable for this weekend's fixture, having not played in pre-season. Josh Dasilva and Aaron Hickey are also still sidelined.
Otherwise, Palace are at full strength, with Cheick Doucoure set to be named in a competitive matchday squad for the first time since November 2023.
Player to Watch
22-year-old winger Kevin Schade scored his first goal for Brentford against Palace at the Gtech Community Stadium last August, and will look to use his pace to exploit Daniel Munoz's preference to attack. With no Nathaniel Clyne in defence, it will be Chris Richards in that RCB/RB role - and he has struggled defending one on one in the past against similar players.
Brentford's attacks will come on the break, and Schade's pace means he'll be at the forefront of those offensives. Brian Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa are no slouches either, meaning Palace's defence will likely have to deal with a three on three at times in the game.
Predicted Lineups
Crystal Palace: Henderson (GK); Munoz, Richards, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell; Hughes, Wharton; Eze, Kamada, Mateta.
Brentford: Flekken (GK); Roerslev, Collins, Pinnock, Ajer; Norgaard, Jensen, Schade, Janelt, Mbeumo; Wissa
Match Officials
Referee: Sam Barrott
Assistants: Neil Davies and Wade Smith
Fourth Official: Tim Robinson
VAR: Peter Bankes