Expectations for the season ahead

[BuzzingBee95]

Thought since we’ve added a few to the squad and save for a couple of possible departures that the team is all set up for next season, that it might be time to see what people hope/expect from it?

My predicted finish: 9th

I spoke before about how last season only 5 points separated 7th from 13th, and I have no reason to think it won’t be even tighter this season.

We could play well throughout, but we need to expect moments where we could be pushing for 6th once month and the next be looking a little over our shoulder. That’s not just us, I think that’s true of most sides.

Whereas last season the concentration was arguably predominantly on KA (With Igor’s shining figures in particular sharing that spotlight), this season will be a real test and in some regard a true reflection of just how deep and versatile the squad is.

Milambo, Fabio, Nunes, Furo. There are quite a few from whom it’s hard to know what to expect- but, perhaps for the first team, we know have a strong squad and not just a strong starting XI.

Surprise shout of the season: I think Igor will do well again, but I think Callum Wilson will get a few more than some may think.

Rest of the league predictions:

- I think Fulham could be potentially in trouble. It feels that hiring Arbeloa could either be shrewd or a complete disaster.

- I expect spurs to bounce back. Hence why I haven’t got us finishing higher

- if they can show some solidarity, I think Man Utd could emerge as Arsenals next potential threat for the title

 

[South Acton Bee]

Europe

 

[Bigbee]

I am slightly concerned , but I am a terrible worrier about everything , non football included . We had a way of playing that worked last season until the last few games . Now we have a much larger squad and KA has the flexibility to make lots of changes to the team , formations and tictacs .Either we may blow the league apart and be top 10 upwards, or he tinkers too much and we fail

 

[ChessingtonBee]

Who knows? Expect the unexpected.

We do have a good team and a proven manager though.

 

[Rob-BEE]

We look stronger but then so do some of the teams around and below us. Top half would be great again. My "expectation" is that we'll not be worried about relegation and will have a chance at Europe as we move towards the end of the season. My hope is that we'll finally get one of those spots, but it's always a huge task.

 

[Untouchable]

We look stronger but then so do some of the teams around and below us.

Which of these teams do you think are stronger?

 

[marvelous007]

6th or 7th.

 

[smiffy superbee]

17th and above!

 

[Windmill Rd Bee]

I’m usually overly cautious but I can’t help thinking we’ve got a hell of a chance of doing something really quite special this season. Look how much chaos we were mired in at the start of last season and we ended up feeling like we’d bottled a place in the Europa League. Nah, I’m feeling this one big time.

 

[josht]

Palace, Bournemouth, Brighton and Sunderland all have European obligations this season. They'll need big squads and a bit of luck with injuries in order to compete on all fronts

This is as good a chance as we'll likely have to finish in the European spots.

We've had a very settled summer so far, and let's hope the next few weeks remain the same. Our starting line up - which went through a bit of a transition last season with Dango, Thiago and Kelleher joining in, and Kayode cementing the RB spot - are all a year more experienced and (hopefully) better players as a result. The same could be said for our Head Coach and backroom staff.

Throw in the new signings, the returning Carvalho, JDS and Milambo, and a wealth of young talent at our disposal (particularly across the back line) and we're in a really good place.

 

[VitaminBee]

Incredibly optimistic about improving upon last season.

Multiple times last season I remember being mightily impressed with the overall quality of some of the matchday squads we named.

Unfortunately, that strength in depth started to fall away slightly come the end of the season. Especially in attack, with KLP having to play LB, Furo seemingly deemed as not ready to be starting PL matches, and Nelson barely ever fit enough to play serious minutes.

We've addressed the Furo point by signing Wilson, the Nelson point by signing Anthony, and (as of right now) the KLP point by keeping Meghoma around and not loaning him out again, freeing up KLP to be a winger.

These attacking reinforcements, along with Sangare hopefully taking our midfield to the next level, and the absolute plethora of outstanding young CB's we've got on the books, means our squad depth has achieved a whole new dimension this season. It really does appear to be outstanding squad planning from BFC's quartet of magicians (Matthew, Phil, Lee and Keith).

We would've very easily walked into a Europa League spot with this squad last season imo, so I see no reason why that shouldn't be our aim for this season.

I also expect KS to finally shut his doubters up once and for all. I've got a feeling he's going to show what he's really capable of this season.

COYB!!

 

[Gee Bee]

40 points then revise where we may find ourselves.

 

[Hippobee]

My expectations are 6th to 8th. Given we have lost no first choice XI (I don't include Henderson) and we have made additions, we should be aiming for higher than last season.

The biggest challenge is Keith establishing his best 15 or 16 so they gel together. I'd like to see more creativity from our midfielders this year.

Could be exciting seeing some youngsters breaking through too.

 

[Rob-BEE]

Which of these teams do you think are stronger?

Spurs and Chelsea

 

[Bigbee]

Spurs and Chelsea

and Weeds ,Everton

 

[swr22]

Title or bust

 

[roadealing]

Build on last season, improve as a team. We have a couple of new signings that provide experience and goals, a couple new that have exciting futures ahead.

We have Milambo and Carvalho to come back, we played 4 centre mids in midfield a lot last season, so there should be plenty of game time, especially in the winter.

Also worth remembering that this is the second season in which Thiago, Dango, Yehor, Kayode and Kelleher have all played a full Premier League season as regulars. So hopefully a lot of gradual improvement to come from them as well.

We’re at the beginning of an entirely new team, new Brentford. Let’s enjoy it.

 

[Beelated]

40 points then revise where we may find ourselves.

That’s basically 10 wins and 10 points from the remaining 28 games (other permutations are available).

Last season;
W14 D11 L13

 

[stomalomalus]

My thoughts are that Spurs and Chelsea will improve. But that Villa and Brighton will decline slightly. And then Bournemouth will find it tough, ditto Fulham and Palace. And while Forest will improve, not sure they'll improve to above us.

My money is on anywhere from 7-10. That's our spot barring disaster.

 

[Bee(h)Iver]

No expectations but I believe that we can improve on last season. Team is a year older, players are more experienced, so far we've lost no one of any real importance and we have some seriously talented young players waiting for their opportunity. We also have the stable management structure that cause other teams to look on in envy.

Looking at the teams that finished around us last season, only Chelsea look well positioned to significantly improve, and even that is open to debate. Spurs should be better but still look a season or two from troubling the top 6 while the rest have the added commitment of Europe and/or haven't really strengthened. Palace, Fulham and Newcastle are considerably weaker than last season.

So all things considered I think that, barring a unforeseen disaster, we have a good chance of qualifying for Europe and making a deep run into one or both cup competitions. Oh, and to the delight of many people on the GPG, winning the EFL Trophy

 

[AB]

I’m going for 4th and being in the title picture until March but with the consolation of a cup double.

Imagine that being a slight disappointment and our Twitter fanbase moaning about not strengthening in January to win the treble.

 

[Gee Bee]

That’s basically 10 wins and 10 points from the remaining 28 games (other permutations are available).

Last season;
W14 D11 L13

The point is to get to 40 as soon as possible preferably by end of February. You can then adjust where we’d likely finish. Trying to predict so early is pretty futile imho. Transfer windows still open, injuries unknown. A strong start would be useful

 

[Bee(h)Iver]

consolation of a cup double

Treble. We're going to win the EFL Tropy too...

 

[Ashbee]

League Cup or FA Cup would be good

 

[Freebee]

Europe.

If we hadn't had the injuries at the end of last season,those last ten games would have been very different.

 

[marvelous007]

Palace, Bournemouth, Brighton and Sunderland all have European obligations this season. They'll need big squads and a bit of luck with injuries in order to compete on all fronts

This is as good a chance as we'll likely have to finish in the European spots.

We've had a very settled summer so far, and let's hope the next few weeks remain the same. Our starting line up - which went through a bit of a transition last season with Dango, Thiago and Kelleher joining in, and Kayode cementing the RB spot - are all a year more experienced and (hopefully) better players as a result. The same could be said for our Head Coach and backroom staff.

Throw in the new signings, the returning Carvalho, JDS and Milambo, and a wealth of young talent at our disposal (particularly across the back line) and we're in a really good place.

Post of the day!.

 

[N5022N122]

Europe and or cup run. Bottom half would be a d disappointment.

 

[larrysigny]

I don't usually do predicitions, but last year I suggested 8th - one out.
I hope to improve on my short record this time - and as I said 6th as we left the ground after our final home game last season I'll stick to that. And hope I'm one out the other way.

 

[FunkyZeus]

The point is to get to 40 as soon as possible preferably by end of February. You can then adjust where we’d likely finish. Trying to predict so early is pretty futile imho. Transfer windows still open, injuries unknown. A strong start would be useful

I'm pretty much like this too, and then start setting expectations for the rest of the season after the magic 40 is hit.

The big thing for me is that it feels like it's the first time we've gone in to a Premier League season without any positions where I'd be worried if we had an injury. At first it was RB, with Canos starting there. Then subsequently LB, midfield and our front three.

I know injuries can always happen, but going in to a season knowing we only had one specialist full back, or would struggle if we had a couple of injuries to our midfield three..

It also meant that we weren't able to rest, rotate and/or overload when searching for a winner/equaliser. It feels like we will have fewer round pegs in square holes this season.

 

[Vid]

The triple.

 

['Ayes B]

I do t want to jinx it

V

 

[Sianist]

Disregarding other teams that possibly could do a lot worse than expected, I'd say we would end somewhere between 9-12th

 

[psg150]

We should be optimistic. We were very competitive against the top sides last year even if we didnt always get the result. Whilst we looked a bit limp against the low block at times, I think the squad stability with the added new signings and a good preseason together with KA should help address this. Add to this that the issue of squad depth looks to have been addressed (barring a unprecedented injury crisis) and I think we will do very well indeed.

 

[To Bee Someone]

My optimistic heart says top 6..
The signings we've made both shrews and statement making. We have players coming back in who will also improve us. Add to that a few players who keep improving (Kayode and YY) or keep surprising me (Vitaly and Matti)
My realist head says much the same as last year. Maybe finish a little higher

Lots of new managers. Some will do ok, others might not..I think Fulham and Newcastle have taken a massive punt that might go sour.
Our stability will be our strength.

 

[Hullbee]

Expect 7th and upwards

League and FA Cup not to be given any respect as usual.

 

[Hullbee]

The triple.

Relegation, FA Cup and League Cup 1st round defeats?

 

[Gee Bee]

Relegation, FA Cup and League Cup 1st round defeats?

Not possible as we are not in 1st rounds

 

[Vid]

Relegation, FA Cup and League Cup 1st round defeats?

Oh I didn't think about that. Ever

 

[Sultan]

I can see us winning the league:

 

[Hullbee]

Oh I didn't think about that. Ever

I think about the championship and league one days regularly. Now we have been at the top table unless we get silverware a drop down and come back up might be decent

 

[nick logan]

Expect 7th and upwards

League and FA Cup not to be given any respect as usual.

We always go deep in league cup

 

[cd1994]

would love a day out at wembley in league cup final or fa cup semi/final, think league wise we will be between 9th and 13th

 

[Hullbee]

We always go deep in league cup

And then ruin it be not playing a strong team…. So you might as well go out at the first round rather than throw a quarter final

 

[Les Beeavinu]

And then ruin it be not playing a strong team…. So you might as well go out at the first round rather than throw a quarter final

BRENTFORD XI: Valdimarsson, Henry, Van den Berg, Ajer, Collins (C), Kayode, Jensen, Yarmoliuk, Damsgaard, Janelt, Schade.

Subs: Kelleher, Hickey, Pinnock, Lewis-Potter, Peart-Harris, Konak, G Nunes, Arthur, Donovan.

 

[MrB]

As an eternal pessimist, I admire the squad strengthening to avoid the tired weak end of last season. Teams like Chelsea and Spurs have strengthened whereas others have Euro commitments. On paper the Bees are still punching way above their weight but my hope is safety from relegation by January then a push for a European place with Tiago and Wilson being equally effective.

 

[jlove]

I hope for fixing our place 6-9 in the table, although I think the Top 6 will be much more competitive this season, so tougher for us to break into. I’ve higher expectations for a good Cup run, though.

I’m hoping also for more flexibility in style of play, built on Sangaré in midfield, and more frequent rotations and substitutions to keep levels high over the whole match.

 

[Dribble chop]

Anything top ten is fantastic, I would like a good cup run, matches under the lights just have a better atmosphere.

 

[Houghton Bee]

Champions as a minimum, anything less and we boot out Giles & Andrews. Ideally we'll finish on 100+ points and go unbeaten but these are just secondary goals.

 

[Kingston Bee]

Palace, Bournemouth, Brighton and Sunderland all have European obligations this season. They'll need big squads and a bit of luck with injuries in order to compete on all fronts

This is as good a chance as we'll likely have to finish in the European spots.

We've had a very settled summer so far, and let's hope the next few weeks remain the same. Our starting line up - which went through a bit of a transition last season with Dango, Thiago and Kelleher joining in, and Kayode cementing the RB spot - are all a year more experienced and (hopefully) better players as a result. The same could be said for our Head Coach and backroom staff.

Throw in the new signings, the returning Carvalho, JDS and Milambo, and a wealth of young talent at our disposal (particularly across the back line) and we're in a really good place.

Great post, fully agree! Just need a bit of luck with injuries and a European place beckons.

 

[brentford born & bred]

It took Brighton until their 6th season in the Premier League to finish as high as 6th , so I am going for 6th . In all seriousness we have built a very deep squad this season, unless any major outgoings, so can both challenge for cup competitions and should be able ride out periods of injuries or fatigue. This combined with so much churn in other teams with regards to head coaches and the stability we have this season means I feel we shall finish higher than last season so 6th is a realistic ambition.