Brentford were supposed to be relegation-threatened in 2025/26. However, for large parts of the season the Bees were excellent and managed a top half finish. The Premier League Gambling Podcast continues the 2026/27 season preview series with a deep dive on the West London outfit. Follow the link to stay up to date with all of the shows, news and picks from Mal and Barry.
The 2026/27 season will be a 6th consecutive Premier League campaign for the Bees. This is no small feat for a club of their size, and they have really carved a niche for themselves in recent years. Not an established powerhouse club, especially with strong competition in London, Brentford continue to punch above their weight. Is there any upside for the new season or will regression hit?
Last Season
Brentford enter the 2026/27 Premier League season aiming to build on an impressive debut campaign under head coach Keith Andrews.
The Bees finished ninth in 2025/26 with 53 points, a superb effort in Andrews’ first year at the helm when they were widely tipped for relegation. His seamless transition from set‑piece specialist to head coach earned a contract extension through 2032, reinforcing the club’s data‑driven model and its knack for promoting from within.
Igor Thiago was the headline act, scoring 22 league goals and cashing big‑price (80/1) each‑way tickets for backers. Brentford’s direct style, strong set‑piece threat, and flashes of tactical flexibility kept them comfortably in the top half.
The challenge now is clear: back it up and prove last season’s success wasn’t a one‑off. Find all of the season results and fixtures here.
The Manager
The rise of Keith Andrews last season was a great story. In an era where exotic mega-stars are clamoured after by fans and chairmen alike, the appointment from within of the Irishmen raised many an eyebrow. Yet, the results were instant and consistent, as Andrews struck a blow for meticulous preparation and good coaching.
Andrews had built a quietly impressive coaching résumé before stepping into the Brentford job. After retiring from playing in 2015, he moved straight into coaching at MK Dons, then spent several years shaping Ireland’s next generation as assistant to Stephen Kenny for both the U21s and senior national team. . He later joined Sheffield United, adding Premier League experience, before Brentford hired him as their set‑piece coach in 2024. His impact was immediate enough that, when Thomas Frank departed, Brentford promoted Andrews to head coach in June 2025.
Players Out
Frank Onyeke (Coventry City)
Jordan Henderson (Chelsea)
Players In
Mamadou Sangare (Lens)
Jannick Schuster (RB Salzburg)
Jaidon Anthony (Burnley)
Callum Wilson (free)
Brentford’s summer business has been measured rather than flashy.
Mamadou Sangaré arrived from Lens for £40 million. The 29‑cap Mali international featured 30 times for Rapid Vienna. There’s talent there, but not yet a huge body of evidence; his Premier League adaptation remains to be seen.
Jaidon Anthony joined for £15 million after scoring eight goals in 37 appearances for Burnley last season, a steady addition who could fit Brentford’s direct, transition‑based style.
The most intriguing signing might be Jannik Schuster, a 20‑year‑old right‑back from RB Salzburg for £12 million. With only 21 senior appearances, he looks a data‑driven pick with upside, exactly the kind of profile Brentford have built their recruitment reputation on.
Brentford Premier League Odds
Premier League Winners 250/1
Top 4 Finish 28/1
Top 6 Finish 6/1
Top Half Finish +137
To be Relegated 8/1
To finish bottom 40/1
Strengths
This will be an interesting season for Brentford and Andrews as the league adjusts to their style. Igor Thiago remains the headline act. After starting Brazil’s opening World Cup game, there’s no reason to think he won’t be amongst the goals again.
Dango Ouattara and Kevin Schade both look ready to kick on. They have pace, directness, and end product making them ideal fits for Keith Andrews’ system.
At the back, Kristoffer Ajer continues as a stalwart for Norway, he’s a big, physical presence in both boxes and a key weapon in Brentford’s set‑piece routines.
Keep an eye on Michael Kayode at full‑back: technically sharp, aggressive in duels, and one of the more watchable young defenders in the league. He loves a yellow card too, which can be a profitable angle.
I like the business that Brentford have done, the new signings add a layer of tactical flexibility.
Weaknesses
There are no obvious weaknesses in the Bees squad that tell me Brentford will be in trouble. My main concern is that this time around the league will be ready for them and they’ll be less likely to surprise teams. However, the spine of the team is solid, Ajer at the back, Damsgaard in the middle and Thiago up top is very steady, and surrounded by complimentary pieces.
Summary and Picks
Andrews tactical clarity and calm authority have kept the Bees stable through transition, and the challenge now is to prove last season wasn’t a one‑off.
Recruitment has been typically shrewd. Mamadou Sangaré, Jaidon Anthony, and Jannik Schuster add depth and upside without breaking the model. The spine remains strong. Kristoffer Ajer anchoring the defence, Michael Kayode offering energy at full‑back, and Igor Thiago leading the line. His goals line of 15+ looks ambitious, but he’s still the focal point of a direct, well‑drilled side.
Brentford’s set‑piece threat and tactical flexibility should keep them competitive, though some regression feels inevitable after last year’s over‑performance. A mid‑table finish around 12th seems realistic, with enough quality to flirt with the top half if Thiago fires again. None of the betting lines appeal too much with regard to Brentford’s finishing position. The middle of the Premier League looks like a log jam and the margins are fine, although of the 2 options, a bottom half finish at -150 appeals more.
Prediction: 12th place, 49 points
In short, a steady, data‑driven season looks in store with Brentford, still punching above their weight, a club that continues to make efficiency look stylish.
There’s a selection that I do like in the head to head market, and its Brentford to finish above Everton at evens, +100. The Toffees look below average to me and Brentford can finish above them.
