Oliver Glasner looks ahead to Premier League opener against Brentford
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is preparing for Sunday's Premier League opener on 18 August against Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium (kick-off 14:00 GMT+1). The Austrian coach embarks on his first full season with the Eagles, but will have to do without Michael Olise, who has joined FC Bayern München.
Brentford looking to bounce back with a refreshed squad after disappointing season
Brentford open their Premier League season at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday. The Bees endured a frustrating campaign last term, finishing sixteenth after being severely hampered by injuries and the lengthy ban imposed on key man Ivan Toney. Manager Thomas Frank acknowledged in his press conference that the injury toll had taken its toll on the side: 'The biggest problem last season was that we had too many injured players. A lot of them are now in good shape.' With Toney back in the squad, Frank is looking to the future with optimism. 'The good news is that he was training outside with a big smile on his face. He looks sharp, has the right mentality and is available for Sunday,' said the Danish head coach. Brentford have also strengthened their ranks with Igor Thiago, who arrived from Club Brugge for €33 million, and Fábio Carvalho, who left Liverpool for €23 million. Pre-season was a mixed affair — the club conceded at least one goal in every friendly, suggesting there is still defensive work to be done. Brentford also head into the match with a concerning statistic: in six Premier League meetings with Crystal Palace, the Bees have yet to record a single win (0W, 5D, 1L). Frank is expected to opt for a 4-3-3 with Fábio Carvalho, Ivan Toney and Bryan Mbeumo leading the attack. Joshua Dasilva, Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey are among up to four players set to miss Sunday's fixture.
Glasner targets historic run with a remodelled Palace side
Crystal Palace travel to west London aiming to build on the positive momentum generated towards the end of last season under Oliver Glasner, who took charge in February 2024. The Austrian now has the opportunity to shape a full season with the Eagles for the first time. He will have to do so without Michael Olise, who completed a £53 million move to FC Bayern München. To offset that loss, Palace brought in Daichi Kamada on a free transfer from Lazio and signed Ismaïla Sarr for £15 million. Victory over Brentford would give Palace back-to-back league wins against the Bees for the first time since 1957, following their 3-1 triumph last December. Glasner was respectful of the opposition in his press conference: 'They are a very good team, well organised. They switch between a back four and a back three, with five players high up the pitch, quick play in behind the line and plenty of running movements.' The Crystal Palace manager is expected to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Odsonne Édouard leading the attack.
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Source: Sportmonks
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