The Sky Bet Championship kicks off in just over a week from now and there'll be plenty of sides feeling as though this year could be theirs.

As is the way with the Championship, over half the division feels that it can get promoted right up until the final games of the campaign and Brentford will be no different.

Barring a slow start last season, the Bees really could have made the top six last year and so, ahead of their campaign, we're taking a closer look at them in our latest season preview...

Key Player

It's more than likely that Ryan Woods will be key to what Brentford do once again this season.

The Bees have got some good players across the pitch but Woods keeps it all together and helps dictate the tempo of games.

He's a class act and will want to guide his side into the top six spots.

One to Watch

Benrahma is an interesting prospect.

If he follows in the footsteps of some recent Brentford gambles he could be a real hit and it speaks volumes that his arrival has allowed for Florian Jozefzoon to leave the club.

An unknown prospect but one that could certainly surprise many if he gets up to speed quickly.

Promotion Odds

At 9/2 the Bees are clearly well fancied to have a shot at promotion this season coming.

They missed out last year thanks to their slow start to the campaign but played some of the best football in the league thereafter.

Be consistent throughout and they'll be up there no doubt.

What's the Manager Saying?

Jozefzoon's exit is likely the headline to take from Brentford's summer so far.

He's moved to Derby and fans are going to miss him but Smith evidently feels that the Bees can cope and that the bid was good enough.

First Six Fixtures

A home game against Rotherham could see the Bees kick off with a win but, typically, there aren't any easy games in the second tier.

Trips to Stoke City and Aston Villa as well as a home game against Nottingham Forest will give us an early indication of the Bees' chances this season.