Crystal Palace To Include Marc Guehi In Premier League Opener Against Brentford

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Oliver Glasner is preparing for Crystal Palace's Premier League opener against Brentford with Marc Guehi in his squad, despite transfer rumours. Newcastle has shown interest in Guehi, making a fourth bid that was rejected by the Eagles on Friday. Since joining Selhurst Park in 2021, Guehi has played 98 league games. In the 16 matches he missed, Palace conceded more goals (1.6) compared to when he played (1.3).

Chairman Steve Parish mentioned earlier this week that Newcastle would need to offer a substantial amount for Guehi. Glasner confirmed that Guehi remains in contention for Sunday's match. "Marc trained today and we talked together," Glasner said. "I've had no other information. I'll have to look at my bank account and see if anything came in! We plan with Marc. He's our player and our captain, I can't tell you anything else."

Brentford aims to improve on their 16th place finish last season as Thomas Frank enters his sixth year as manager. The team finished 13 points above relegation last year and has bolstered their attack with Fabio Carvalho from Liverpool. However, they suffered a setback when club-record signing Igor Thiago sustained a meniscus injury, sidelining him until the end of 2024.

Despite this loss, Frank remains optimistic about his squad for the opening fixture. "I am very happy with what we've got, overall," he said. "What I've found out is, it is difficult, say you want a left winger, then to get the right one, at the right level, at the right time is sometimes difficult."

Brentford: Ivan Toney

Ivan Toney remains a key player for Brentford despite exit rumours. He scored in four of his first five games after returning from suspension but hasn't found the net in his last 12 Premier League matches. His longest goal drought was 15 games between December 2015 and August 2016.

Crystal Palace: Ismaila Sarr

With Michael Olise moving to Bayern Munich, Palace signed Ismaila Sarr from Marseille to fill the gap. During his previous stint in English football with Watford from 2019 to 2023, Sarr led the team in goals (33), assists (17), chances created (124), total shots (251), and touches in the opposition box (539).

Match Prediction: Brentford Win

This will be Brentford's third London derby opener in four seasons. They beat Arsenal 2-0 in 2021-22 and drew 2-2 with Spurs last season. However, after an unbeaten run of 14 top-flight derbies between October 2022 and November 2023, Brentford has lost five of their last seven London derbies.

Palace has been a tough opponent for Brentford; they haven't won any of their six Premier League meetings (D5 L1). This is both the joint-most Brentford has faced a side without winning and the joint-most Palace has faced a side without losing.

The Eagles ended last season strongly with six wins from their final seven games (D1), including three consecutive victories by an aggregate score of 12-1. They won their opening game last season against Sheffield United but haven't won their first league match in consecutive seasons since 2006-07/2007-08.

OPTA Win Probability

"As long as no one tells me they will leave or the club tells me someone will leave, then we will work with them every day and prepare the team," Glasner added.