Guardian writers’ predicted position: 16th (NB: this is not necessarily Nick Ames’s prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)
Last season’s position: 13th
Odds to win the league (via Oddschecker): 750-1
Prospects
Second-season syndrome? Brentford arguably suffered a variant of it in their first. After storming through the opening weeks of their Premier League debut they slumped alarmingly to the extent that, had it not been for the transformative impact of Christian Eriksen, relegation would have loomed menacingly. It means they have experience of pulling themselves up by the bootstraps when opponents find them out and the signs are they may need to draw upon it.
The obvious snag is that Eriksen, who protractedly chose Manchester United ahead of another spell in west London, is no longer around. Brentford need a different route to safety, freshening up in the right areas while retaining most of the formula that has served them so admirably. They will be boosted if Ivan Toney, one of the league’s most impressive leaders of the line, is still around after the transfer window closes but he will need help. The versatile Keane Lewis-Potter has arrived from Hull and, at 21, excites with his potential and ability to contribute goals from out wide; he will compete with Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo, two similarly lavish talents who will hope to find more consistent end product this time.
There is a sense that a string-puller behind those front men would make all the difference, though, with guile in modest supply once again. Thomas Frank has at least been able to toughen up the rest of the squad: Ben Mee brings proven ability and experience in central defence and the highly rated young Scotland international Aaron Hickey could solve a full-back problem while Thomas Strakosha is a high-quality alternative in goal. Few recruit more cannily than Brentford and they will need to show it again if their campaign is to be smooth.
The manager
There are few Premier League managers as charming as Frank, a generous character whose press conferences can stretch on forever. That is not to say he is a consistent source of material: the 48-year-old perfected the “we’re just a bus stop in Hounslow” early last season and is famed for his “No dickheads” policy but tends to steer clear of real controversy. Although not a spring chicken there is a sense he may yet climb higher and his name has been mentioned vaguely in connection with vacancies elsewhere. But the urbane Frank appears content with his lot and Brentford are certainly delighted with him. It has been a happy fit since he stepped up to replace Dean Smith in 2018, and the sense of forward momentum has rarely let up. Maintaining that in 2022-23 could be his biggest feat yet: 13th place last season was an excellent finish and an improvement this time would require a sprinkling of magic.
Transfer coup
Hickey was linked with a number of clubs, including Arsenal, before arriving on a four-year contract from Bologna. He turned 20 in June but made almost 50 appearances in Serie A since signing from Hearts in 2020 in a high-profile deal made more notable by the fact he rejected a rival offer from Bayern Munich. Last season Hickey scored five goals, adding to the sense that he is a modern, dynamic attacking full-back who will fit the Bees’ style well. He can operate on either flank and may find himself deployed on the right, where options were few last term.
World Cup impact
Four of Brentford’s squad could be called up for Denmark, although Mathias Jensen and Christian Norgaard are the only two likely to travel at this point. Beyond that, the Bees get off lightly and most of the side can enjoy an early winter break. Saman Ghoddos should be in Iran’s squad to face England and midfielder Frank Onyeka has a strong chance of being picked by Nigeria.
Alternative attractions during World Cup
The London Museum of Water and Steam – something the Bees hope not to run out of this season – is a three-minute walk from the stadium, although bear in mind it opens only at weekends. It is located in an old Victorian waterworks and, to stretch another metaphor, Brentford will not want too many of those from their fanbase at the campaign’s end.
Leading the shirt sales
The club’s commercial department will mourn Eriksen’s departure: his arrival shattered their previous records, with demand for shirts bearing his name said to have increased by 30 times and punters from around the globe placing orders. Toney is the leading man in his absence, along with the likes of Jansson and Norgaard. If Lewis-Potter begins well then the letters from a 12-figure surname might put a few more pounds in the Bees’ bank account; this season’s chart topper, though, is still to be revealed.
Social climber
Toney was forced into more of a social climbdown last winter when a video posted on Twitter showed him saying “Fuck Brentford”. He apologised and the matter was forgotten, as much of anything put into the ether can be. Things could have been worse: most of Brentford’s players have relatively modest followings, with Toney’s 150,000 fanbase on Instagram small beer compared with his colleagues at top clubs. New addition Mee has an even lower-profile but articulate social media presence, offering a refreshing earthiness.
If Brentford were a Netflix doc …
It would require a Danish twist, perhaps with pale lighting, Anglo-Saxon language and an ominous The Killing-style soundtrack whenever things start to go awry. If that idea does not fly, the angular Brentford Community Stadium is so cutely crammed into a seemingly impossible knot of space off the M4 that a design-related theme would surely play well.
