The line up for the Premier League next season was completed yesterday following Brentford's 2-0 win over Swansea in the Championship play off final which enabled them to join Norwich and Watford in the top flight next season. So how will they all get on next season?
NORWICH
The Canaries bounced straight back up at the first attempt following their relegation last season by winning the Championship for the second time in three seasons. They were the second highest scorers with 75 and won the title by six points.
Will they do better than last time?
They've been a lot more solid defensively than they were the last time they got promoted as they only conceded 36 goals which was the second best defensive record in the division. They let 57 in the last time they got promoted in 2018-19 which they carried on into the Premier League the following season as they were very naïve throughout the season. With a better defensive record this year they might fare a little better. Especially if they can add some Premier League quality and experience in.
Can they do a Burnley?
When Burnley got relegated back in the 2014/15 season they kept hold of manager Sean Dyche the following season where they bounced straight back up and stayed up in their first season back. They later became an established Premier League club. Norwich have a similar thing this season by keeping hold of Daniel Farke who has lead them straight back up a season after relegation. They have a long term plan in place and are a well run club which could help the club massively if they're to be established at the top level.
WATFORD
Like Norwich the Hornets bounced straight back up following their relegation last season despite changing manager once again. They sacked Vladimir Ivic before Christmas even though they were still in the play offs and with a chance of promotion. Xisco Munoz later came in and steered them towards promotion as they ended the campaign with the best defensive record.
Will the manager merry-go-round strike again?
The Hornets had a different manager for every season during their last spell in the Premier League and have had 13 managers since Pozzo family took over back in 2012. Some of the sackings have been seen as harsh in my eyes because they've either kept them in the Premier League or got them into a good position in the table. Munoz will need his side to start well and be convincing over the course of the season if he's going to avoid the chop next season.
Will they have enough to survive?
They had the best defensive record in the division with just 30 goals conceded which could serve them good next season as a strong defence is key for survival. Going forward they did okay as they managed reasonably well without captain Troy Deeney who played just 19 games all season. 19 year old Joao Pedro stepped up in his position by scoring 9 goals whilst top scorer Ismaila Sarr scored 13 which is a solid return from a player in his position. But they can still improve in that area as they scored only 63 goals all season which was the fifth highest in the division.
BRENTFORD
One season after losing to Fulham in the play off final the Bees finally got over the line to beat Swansea in the final and ending their play off curse in the process having lost in the play offs on 10 occasions going into their game yesterday. They lost Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahma to Aston Villa and West Ham respectively, but they still managed to recruit well and put last seasons heartbreak behind them.
Will they have enough experience to survive?
Having Premier League experience in your side is crucial for any newly promoted side because you need that knowhow to survive. Brentford have never been in the Premier League before so they'll need to add one or two Premier League experienced players so they can have a good chance of staying up. They may have a few players in their squad who could be Premier League quality but for them to survive they need players with Premier League experience.
Will goals be key to their chances of staying up?
The Bees were the top goal scorers in the Championship this season with 79 which should do them good next season because goals are the difference between a club staying up and being relegated. They have a goal scorer in Ivan Toney who netted 31 goals this season plus they also have other players who can chip in like Sergi Canos and Bryan Mbeumo who can both score and create. With players like that in your attack you have every chance of staying up. As long as you get it right at the back and in midfield.
Comments