Brentford vs Crystal Palace Preview: The season opener at the Gtech

The first Sunday game of the Premier League season sees Brentford host Crystal Palace at the Gtech Community Stadium

 
8:00am on Friday 16th August 2024
By
Martin Macdonald

The first Super Sunday of the Premier League campaign kicks off with Brentford hosting Crystal Palace at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Last season, Brentford performed below expectations and finished 16th after a poor second half of the campaign, so Thomas Frank will be hoping for much better in 2024/25.

As for Palace, they may have lost star player Michael Olise, but there is still a sense of excitement at the first full season under Oliver Glasner.

Match Preview

Brentford recent form

Brentford had a mixed pre-season as they only won one of their four friendlies and that came against Estrela Amadora.

They did score in every game, but drew 4-4 versus Wolfsburg and 1-1 versus Watford and Benfica.

Brentford injury news

Unfortunately for Brentford, their star signing of the summer, Igor Thiago, was ruled out 2025 after a cruciate ligament injury. He joins Josh DaSilva, Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey on the treatment table, though the latter duo are close to a return.

Crystal Palace recent form

Palace went unbeaten in pre-season, defeating Crawley, Wolves and West Ham and drawing with Nantes and Charlton.

Crystal Palace injury news

Palace are missing Cheick Doucoure and Matheus Oliveira, but there are hopes Chris Richards could be passed fit.

Brentford vs Crystal Palace - who is the referee and VAR?

Referee: Sam Barrott

Assistants: Neil Davies, Wade Smith

Fourth official: Tim Robinson

VAR: Peter Bankes

Assistant VAR: Eddie Smart.

Brentford - Player to Watch?

There is plenty of transfer speculation surrounding Ivan Toney including a recent link to the Saudi Pro League. But, should he remain, he'll play an important part in Brentford's campaign after being suspended for six months a year ago.

Crystal Palace - Player to Watch?

In the absence of Olise, there is added pressure on Eberechi Eze to deliver in the final third - and he is more than capable of the task.

Brentford vs Crystal Palace - Prediction

These two clubs will have similar ambitions heading into this campaign and the most likely result on the opening day is a score draw.

Brentford 2-2 Crystal Palace

For all of the analysis of the match as it happens live, check out our Preview and Live Update page for the game.

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