Glasner, who looks like a kindly but tough CID man in The Bill, tells Sky that Palace have had a good training week and are here to win the game – despite the difficulties of the international summer.
Mateta, though, had time off and then got match-fit before carrying on scoring goals, so he’s in good shape, while Guehi is a good player and character so starts. He’s not influenced by transfer rumours, though Glasner wishes the window closed with the start of the season.
This is a big season for Kevin Schade. He had last to settle in and showed some potential, which was fine, but – especially if Toney leaves – Brentford need more from him this term. He should get a decent run too, and one thing you know if you play for Frank is that instructions will be clear.
I mentioned Wharton, so let’s think about him. I mentioned this during the Euros, but I’ve a strong sense England’s best midfield is him, Mainoo, Bellingham, and an even stronger one that he’s the only player in the squad able to play the role of a modern number six properly. Much as Palace will want to keep him, I – and they, I imagine – expect an auction next summer, with plenty of rich types involved.
So where is the game? Palace will look to have Adam Wharton dictate, taking the ball off the back three and spreading it – I really like what I’ve seen of Munoz down the right. Then Eze and Kamada will float, looking to attack the space between Brentford’s midfield three and back four while Mateta tries to push the defence back, opening up spaces for them to hit.
Brentford, on the other hand, will look to clutter central areas and have Schade and Mbuemo target the space behind the wing-backs and to the sides of the centre-backs, Roerslev and Ajer getting high and wide in an effort to serve Wissa with crosses. They’ll probably bypass midfield, while Palace look to play through it.
Of course Igor Thiago, Brentford’s record signing – they did the deal as long ago as February – is unavailable, having jiggered his meniscus in a friendly. We won’t, I’m afraid, see him in 2024 – but imagine the fury with which he’ll play once he’s finally on the park.
What I like about Palace’s formation is the way its aspects serve each other. Eze and Kamada have free roles, but can drop into midfield to make the central two a three; a centre-back can step up in midfield and serve the same purpose; the full-backs can provide attacking width because if a midfielder sits they still leave a back four; and they’ve scope to manufacture space wide or centrally.
As for Palace, Mateta is back despite only finishing last season a week ago. Watching him recently, I’ve been minded a little of Louis Saha, as both are all-round centre-forwards able to come short in spin in, occupy to two centre-backs and score all types of goal.
Behind him, Daichi Kamada takes Olise’s place – Sarr is on the bench – while Guehi takes his left-centre-back spot despite Newcastle’s efforts to sign him.
I do like Frank; it’s very easy to see why players love him. And to look at his XI, he goes four at the back today – against the better sides, Brentford often go with three – and Toney aside, the lineup is as expected. Carvalho is, I think, a really good signing, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he gets on; Frank said we should see him later in the game.
Ah, here’s Thomas Frank. He’s happy it’s a new season, the sun is shining and he’s excited. He explains that because of transfer interest, Ivan Toney isn’t playing – he knew that on Friday, but didn’t want to give anything away and also adds that no move is close.
Fabio Carvalho, meanwhile, is on the bench because he’s only just joined and there were good players already at the club, but he’s shown bits in training.
Otherwise, Brentford were unlucky with injuries last season – previously they’d done a really good job of balancing hard training with reliable availability.
Finally, Palace are well structured in their 3-4-3 and he needs he’s players to be brave and get in behind them; “Basically, I can’t wait”.
I’ll write these down, then we’ll have a think about what they mean.
Brentford (4-3-3-): Flekken; Roerslev, Collins, Pinnock, Ajer,; Norgaard, Janelt, Jensen; Mbuemo, Wissa, Schade. Subs: Valdimarsson, Carvalho, Onyeka, Mee, Yarmolyuk, Lewis-Potter, Damsgaard, Peart-Harris, Trevitt.
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Andersen, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Kamada, Eze; Mateta. Subs: Johnstone, Sarr, Lerma, Ayew, Schlupp, Clyne, Edouard, Doucoure, Riad.
Referee: Sam Barrott (West Riding)
There are games that have no bearing on events at either end of the Premier League – this is one – that you can be almost certain will reflect the best of the Premier League – and again, this is one.
Brentford are a terrific team, aggressive, attitudinous and built in Thomas Frank’s image: they may win a game or they may lose a game, but either way their opponents will have to suffer. And that is not just because they are physical, though they are, it is because they are skilful, intelligent and nasty; they will be ready for this.
Likewise Palace, who finished last season in fantastic form with Oliver Glasner’s impact immediate. And, though they’ve lost Michael Olise, they’ve hung on – so far – to Marc Guéhi and Eberechi Eze, while Ismaïla Sarr looks a smart purchase and Jean-Philippe Mateta is now an Olympic champion.
Which is to say that a fast, intense contest looks guaranteed, two smart and progressive coaches sending their teams out to have at each other with those of us watching not a clue as to which will prevail. And it’s live!
Kick-off: 2pm BST