Brentford
Manager Thomas Frank
What has changed in 12 weeks?
The delight of promotion has been followed by a determination to show they can compete with the big boys. For the first time in years, there has been no need to sell star players and rebuild. The core of the team remains in place and the addition of Kristoffer Ajer, signed from
Celtic for around
£12 million, will give them a stronger foundation at the back.
Brentford are a fluid attacking team and their data-driven model, which focuses on the identification and development of talented players, will be put to the test.
Not even relegation will make them question their methods. Knowing Brentford, they would use the money earned from their promotion and simply come back stronger.
Who has it all to prove?
Ivan Toney (below) broke the Championship scoring record last season and wants to show he is capable of similar feats in the Premier League. There can be no questioning his self-belief or finishing prowess, but it will be interesting to see how he competes physically with some of Europe’s best defenders. He will have less time and space, and will need to discover a new level of sharpness. Whatever happens early on, do not write him off: remember, he was playing in League One as recently as 2020.
Most exciting prospect With pace, skill and a ferocious left foot, French forward Bryan Mbeumo could cause serious problems for defences. A return of eight goals in 44 league games last season was a slight dip after 15 goals in 2019-20 but, aged just 22, he has unquestionable potential. Goalkeeper David Raya has attracted top-flight interest in the past and looks ready for the step-up.
Success would be…
Staying in the division would be a considerable triumph.
Failure would be…
Going down with a whimper and losing the sense of togetherness generated over the past few seasons.
Managerial axe rating
2/5. Thomas Frank is in no danger, and it is hard to see him losing his job, barring a dramatic and totally unexpected collapse.
Player of the year will be…
Christian Norgaard is a gifted technician who was consistently one of the best players in the Championship. He will be busy in a defensive midfield role.
Major ins
Kristoffer Ajer (Celtic, £12m), Frank Onyeka (Midtjylland, £8m), Myles Peart-harris (Chelsea, £1.4m).
Major outs
Henrik Dalsgaard (Midtjylland, free transfer), Emiliano Marcondes (Bournemouth, free transfer).
What has changed in 12 weeks?
The departure of Ben White to Arsenal has stripped Brighton of one of their key defensive pillars, although in time the £50million transfer fee will go a long way towards strengthening the club as a whole. As it stands, they are yet to invest heavily beyond the exciting addition of midfielder Enock Mwepu from Red Bull Salzburg. A striker is clearly needed, but buying a top-quality finisher is easier said than done. It will encourage fans that Yves Bissouma, their best player, remains at the club for now. It would not be a surprise if a big team came in for him late in the window, though, with the midfielder seemingly destined to play Champions League football.
Who has it all to prove?
If Brighton do not buy a new striker, they will require the likes of Neal Maupay and Danny Welbeck to provide a more consistent goal threat. Maupay, in particular, must be more clinical in the final third. Eight goals in 33 league games last season was by no means dreadful, but Brighton squandered so many chances that the finger of blame points towards him more than anyone else.
Most exciting prospect
Tariq Lamptey (below) has had injury problems but, when fit, looks to be one of the most promising youngsters in the division. Brighton are wary of rushing the 20-year-old back into action as hamstrings can be problematic.
Success would be…
Finishing in the top half. Based on their underlying displays last year, they should have finished much higher than 16th.
All the foundations seem to be in place for them to make significant progress this season, even without White.
Failure would be…
Relegation. It would be disappointing if Brighton did not improve on last season, but relegation would be a brutal blow to a club who are planning for long-term growth.
Managerial axe rating
3/5. Brighton trust in their methods and the evolution of their playing style under Graham Potter has been impressive, even if results have not quite caught up. He was handed a new six-year deal in 2019, but without progress in the table questions will be asked.
Player of the year will be…
Adam Webster is growing in stature and is another defender who is capable of bringing the ball out from the back. Do not be surprised if he enters Gareth Southgate’s thinking this season.
Major ins
Enock Mwepu (RB Salzburg, £18m), Kjell Scherpen (Ajax, £4m).
Major outs
Ben White (Arsenal, £50m), Alireza Jahanbakhsh (Feyenoord, £1m), Davy Propper (PSV, free transfer), Mat Ryan (Real Sociedad, free transfer).
What has changed in 12 weeks?
Following the takeover last season, new owners ALK Capital have been putting their imprint on the club and the biggest change behind the scenes has seen the departure of Mike Rigg as technical director. Sean Dyche has outlined the changes they have brought. “They are certainly trying to build the brand stronger out of this area and going into the world,” he said. “They are active in making changes to the feel of the ground, from the simplest thing of better private boxes for fans to lease. I don’t think there will be a radical change in that or huge pots of money, but we got
Nathan Collins in, which cost us a few quid.” Dyche is in charge for his 10th season, but there will be uncertainty over his long-term future while a new contract is not signed. He would ideally have liked more changes to his squad and the arrival of more players to bolster a small squad of players with a
high average age.
Who has it all to prove?
Dyche has always worked on a budget, but even his ability to work miracles will be tested following a summer without significant investment. He would like a wide player to boost his attacking options. Regardless of how this season turns out, his reputation will still be high. He has built a culture among players to put winning above anything else, even if it means their style of football does not get the plaudits compared to others.
Most exciting prospect
Dwight Mcneil (left) is still only 21 and has more than 100 senior games under his belt – rare for a player of that age. It is no surprise other clubs are looking at him. His experience has given him excellent awareness of when to run, cross or pass when on the ball.
Success would be…
Survival to secure a seventh successive season in the Premier League.
Failure would be…
Losing top-flight status for the first time since playing 2015-16 in the Championship.
Managerial axe rating
1/5. Burnley have made it clear they want Dyche to stay and sign a new contract.
Player of the year will be…
Ben Mee. He holds the back line together, and his absence is always felt when he is injured.
Major ins
Nathan Collins (Stoke, £12m), Wayne Hennessey (free agent).
Major outs
Robbie Brady (free agent), Ben Gibson (Norwich, £8m), Josh Benson (Barnsley, £1m).