The Premier League has finally returned, and Crystal Palace will be looking to kick off their 2024/25 season against a dangerous Brentford side.
The Eagles finished the previous campaign in ravishing form, earning stylistic victories over heavyweights such as Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa, as the South London club ended the season on a seven-match unbeaten streak under the guidance of Oliver Glasner.
Since the Austrian manager took the reins at Palace, the club has seen a roaring resurgence in form, and despite losing the talented Michael Olise, optimism surrounds the club from SE25 as they look to deliver a positive performance in the opening round of fixtures.
Standing across from the Eagles are a resilient Brentford side, who have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in English football's top division under Thomas Frank.
There has been little to split between the two sides over recent years, with both clubs having to share the spoils in five of the last six encounters.
Palace will take confidence that they beat the Bees in their most recent match-up, but Glasner will know his side will have to be at the top of their game if the South London club are to leave the Gtech Community Stadium with three points.
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How will Palace fare without Olise?
Much of the focus around Selhurst Park has been the constant rumours and transfer gossip, linking several of Palace's key players away from the club.
As of right now, it is only the talented Michael Olise who has departed South London, but his absence may be the most detrimental.
Keeping the scintillating winger was always going to be difficult given the nature of his release clause, and when German giants Bayern Munich activated the clause, Olise took the opportunity to play amongst the elite in European competition.
Whilst no one at Palace can begrudge the Frenchman for progressing his career, replacing the output offered by Olise is no small order, and one that might be possible at all.
The Olympic silver medal winner provided 16 goal contributions in just 19 starts for the Eagles last season, and his precision, flair and creativity will be sorely missed.
Rather than opting for a direct replacement, Palace have looked to strengthen depth and versatility, signing Daichi Kamada on a free transfer from Lazio, whilst Ismaila Sarr joins from Olympique Marseille for a reported £12.5 million.
Kamada previously worked under Glasner at Eintracht Frankfurt, where the pair won the UEFA Europa League together. The Japanese international provides elite technical ability, intricate link-up play and creativity, and a direct eye for goal.
Operating either in the "ten" position or as part of the midfield pivot, Kamada provides strength to the Palace squad, and the experience of playing in European football's most prestigious competitions.
Sarr is a player that sporting director Dougie Freedman has been interested in for several years, and finally the Scotsman has got his man.
A direct, pacey, imposing winger, Sarr is a nightmare for opposition full-backs, and will look to use his pace to cause threats in behind.
Whereas Kamada may drift inside more to be more involved in build-up play, Sarr will shine when able to isolate defenders, or by making surging runs into the final third.
The two additions mean Palace are better positioned going forward than they have been in a long time, but there is still the feeling that they may still be one attacker short if they are to achieve their lofty ambitions.
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Who will lead the Eagles frontline?
Jean-Philippe Mateta saw a resurgence to form last season, scoring 19 times in 39 appearances. His remarkable form saw Mateta called up the France Olympic squad as one of the three over-23 players, where the Frenchman duly delivered netting 5 goals in 6 matches.
Whilst Mateta's goals were only enough to earn France a Silver Medal at Paris 2024, it has earned him interest from several suitors. For now Mateta remains committed to Palace, but after only arriving back in training on Wednesday, and therefore missing majority of pre-season, it remains to be seen whether he will be entrusted to lead the line in the opening game.
Odsonne Edouard has struggled for consistency during his time at the Eagles. Despite scoring 21 goals in 101 appearances, the Frenchman has been in and out of the side, failing to cement his place at the forefront of the Palace attack.
Often glimpses are shown of his quality, but Edouard is yet to piece them together on a regular basis. Mateta's rise to form has seen Edouard relegated to a spot on the bench, but after excelling in pre-season, scoring twice in four matches, the former Celtic man is ready to make the starting berth his own.
With Mateta likely to be demoted to the bench, after only recently returning to the side, Edouard has an opportunity to stake his claim to lead the Palace frontline moving forward.
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Can Dean Henderson repay the faith shown in him?
With Sam Johnstone informed that the number one shirt is no longer his, Dean Henderson has been thrust into the responsibility of first-choice goalkeeper.
After joining from Manchester United for £15 million in the summer of 2023, much was expected from the England international, but after suffering a long-term injury against his former club in the Carabao Cup, Henderson found his opportunities limited.
After Johnstone suffered an injury of his own, Henderson was given the chance to perform, providing ample showings to cement his claim for the number one jersey.
Despite good showings against the likes of Manchester City, the goalkeeper position has constantly been thrown between both 'keepers, but now it is Henderson who who has been entrusted with the responsibility, with Palace prepared to accept a suitable offer for Johnstone's departure.
Glasner will hope that Henderson can demonstrate why he has been selected and excel between the sticks for the upcoming season, starting with Brentford on Sunday.
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The importance of wing-backs
Glasner's 3-4-2-1 system is built around the role of wing-backs. Utilising two narrow "tens", the wing-backs are enforced with providing the attacking width.
Munoz and Tyrick Mitchell will be expected to bomb forward and provide threat for Palace going forward. Munoz has been a revelation since joining from KRC Genk in January 2024, and the Colombian international is a constant menace going forward.
Whilst Olise used to hold the touchline, Kamada, who has featured in every pre-season fixture and looks set to start as the right "ten", prefers to drift inside more, meaning the importance of Munoz will be even more prominent this season.
Munoz was involved with the Colombia side that were runners up in the 2024 Copa America and the right wing-back is set for a big campaign.
Mitchell has seen steady progression in his attacking responsibility over recent years, and scored in pre-season in victory against West Ham, as well as seeing his goal contributions increase to five in the past season.
Mitchell is a super one-v-one defender, and whilst Glasner will still expect the England international to lockdown opposition wingers, Mitchell will need to provide ample support to talisman Eze.
Up against the talented Bryan Mbuemo and Yoane Wissa, both wing-backs will also need to ensure they undertake their defensive responsibilities to nullify the Brentford threat.
