Brentford FC's Strongest 11 for the 26/27 Season

Brentford FC is looking to build on an impressive push for European football last season, and it's vital that they get off to a sharp start this time around. With the new season just around the corner, I've put together my starting lineup for our opening game against Tottenham.

Goalkeeper

Caoimhin Kelleher is the perfect choice for our number one spot. The Irishman laid the perfect foundations for our talented shot-stopper last season, and he looks to be a safe pair of hands. Despite not being the like-for-like replacement for the ever-impressive David Raya, Caoimhin is a comfortable shot-stopper, a creative distributor, and a well-renowned penalty specialist.

Right-Back

Michael Kayode is the man for the right-back position. The 2024 Italian golden boy winner signed for Brentford in January 2025 and has never looked back. Impressive from his debut onwards, he has completely made the right-back position his own and looks set to return there this season.

Centre-Back

Kris Ajer is set to begin the season as one of two centre-backs. One of the longer-standing players at the club, having been signed in the summer of 2021 ahead of our debut Premier League season, Kris has struggled to make a name for himself, partly due to strong competition in his familiar RB and CB positions, but largely as a result of persisting injury struggles.

Centre-Back

Nathan Collins will be forming an Irish defensive duo with Kelleher. Nathan slots perfectly into the backline, particularly excelling in his miraculous ability to block shots from any angle.

Left-Back

Aaron Hickey is back into the forefront of Keith Andrews' decision-making ahead of this season, in a highly contested left-back spot. As a natural left-back who has been deployed as a right-back for the majority of his injury-disrupted Brentford career, it has been frustrating at times for Aaron, but this season seems to pose an opportunity to get a crack at regular game time in his natural position.

Central Midfielder

Yehor Yarmoliuk is one of the brightest talents at the club at the moment. Just 22 years old, a regular starter, and a huge player for the first team after breaking through under Thomas Frank in a fantastic end to the 24/25 season.

Central Midfielder

Mamadou Sangaré is the excitement around our £41m man is real. Hype extending beyond just the Brentford fanbase indicates this is more than just a regular signing. This has potential to be a transformative addition.

Attacking Midfielder

Mikkel Damsgaard is the strongest option we have in this position, especially with more freedom of the pitch expected. In the upper percentiles for creativity-based metrics, Mikkel is relentless going forwards, and if given a string of matches this season to build his form back, he can run games by himself and be the difference between a draw and a comfortable win.

Left-Winger

Kevin Schade is a player that should not be given up on. Fear of taking his man on (27% dribble success) and lack of ruthlessness in front of goal (8 goals from an xG of 12.18) last season showed that small tweaks could be the making of the talented German international.

Right-Winger

Dango Ouattara has the attributes to come good in the very near future, and when that time comes, he should be scary for Premier League full-backs.

Striker

Igor Thiago is an absolute dead-cert. There's no conversation being had about this position. After 22 goals last season, this position is 100% his, and it will take an awful lot for Callum Wilson to come in and break the mould.

League Standing

Brentford FC's final league standing in the 2025 table was 8th in the Premier League, with 48 points, 13 wins, 9 draws, and 11 losses from 33 games, with recent form being DDDD.

Goals This Season

Brentford FC has scored 48 goals and conceded 44, resulting in a +4 goal difference so far this season.

Next Fixture

Our next fixture is against Nottingham Forest away on 2027-02-06.