Three to watch | Brentford
A new feature for 2026/27, where we'll select three players from our opponents to keep a close eye on.
First up, Brentford, as we travel to the Gtech Community Stadium for our Premier League opener on Saturday (5.30pm). The Bees were ninth last season, just missed out on European qualification (on goal difference to Brighton) and have broken their transfer record this summer...
Caoimhin Kelleher | Goalkeeper
Renowned for saving penalties - Kylian Mbappe one of his 'victims' from the spot - Kelleher joined Brentford for the start of the 2025/26 campaign after 10 years at Anfield. The Republic of Ireland #1, now 27, enjoyed a fine first season at the Gtech as Brentford chased European qualification, just missing out on goal difference. A shot stopper with great reflexes, Kelleher also possesses a calmness in possession and is a lovely striker of the ball - much like Antonin Kinsky. Kelleher kept clean sheets, made 110 saves and kept out three of eight penalties - including denying Bruno Fernandes.
Mamadou Sangaré | Midfielder
Brentford's record signing arrived this summer. A Mali international, Sangaré's biggest strength the ability to influence both ends of the field. The energetic midfielder's ability to win the ball back was underlined by the statistics of an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Lens - he was ranked second in Ligue 1 for tackles won, third for ground duels won and hit the top 10 for interceptions. He can pick a pass in the final third and weighed in with three goals. He was also on target in Brentford's 7-0 friendly win against Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend. Sangaré's performances earned The Prix Marc-Vivien Foé - awarded for the best African player in Ligue 1 - and a place in the UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year as Lens finished runners-up to PSG and won the Coupe de France.
Igor Thiago | Forward
In many ways, a classic, old-fashioned centre forward, powerful, standing 6ft 3ins, ready, willing and able to mix it against any central defence... but there is more to the Brazilian international's game than pure strength. His hold-up play allows Brentford to get up the pitch, combine that with a willingness to work, clever movement and touch means there's always an out ball when the Bees are under pressure. However, forwards are judged on goals - and Thiago weighed in with 22 in 38 Premier League appearances last term - bettered only by Erling Haaland's 27 for City.