With the Premier League kicking off for most teams at 15:00 on Saturday, two clubs that have been able to stabilise their position in the division for a classic start are Watford and Brighton.
Both the Hornets and Seagulls have spent smartly to play the long term game. Wise investments and loyal fan support are at the heart of each team, with both hoping for a few scalps and top half finishes this term.
Everybody will be in boisterous spirits at Vicarage Road, as the new season brings with it optimism and passion. Here is my take on Brighton's potential lineup for the game this weekend.
1. GK: Mathew Ryan
It's pretty clear that Mathew Ryan will be the man in between the sticks for Brighton at Vicarage Road.
Solid in pre-season, the Socceroos star played all three matches for Australia at the World Cup, but unfortunately failed to keep a clean sheet.
Raring to go in his second year on the south coast, the goalkeeper signed from Valencia had an impressive debut term. Boss Chris Hughton should have no headaches about making this selection.
2. RB: Bruno
On the right side of defence is club captain Bruno. The 37-year-old Spaniard has been with the Seagulls for six seasons now, and is likely one of the first names on the team sheet.
Starting against Nantes, Birmingham and Charlton in Brighton's last three pre-season games, his fitness will have returned to peak level after the summer break.
A shoo-in to start, Brighton have only just brought in Martin Montoya to challenge for the position on deadline day.
3. CB: Shane Duffy
Republic of Ireland international Shane Duffy will play at centre back on Saturday, with the stalwart one of Hughton's key men.
Safe as houses, the Derry man has made 69 appearances in all competitions since signing from Blackburn Rovers in 2016.
Playing in all but one of Brighton's Premier League fixtures last term, it's hard to see Duffy being displaced by anyone. Unless injury hampers his season, the defender will be present every week.
4. CB: Lewis Dunk
Alongside Duffy is his partner in crime Lewis Dunk. The two formed an impressive back line last year, helping Albion stave off relegation with a 15th place finish.
An irreplaceable member of his club's squad, Dunk appeared in all league games the campaign previous, with his solitary goal the opener in a 2-1 win against Arsenal.
Hoping to improve on his scoring tally, the big man will be up for set pieces as an intimidating presence for opposing players.
5. LB: Bernardo
New summer signing Bernardo should start at left back. Brought in from the Bundesliga, Brighton's newest Brazilian will offer an attacking threat from wide.
Representing Red Bull Brasil, Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig, Bernardo is now gearing up for an English league campaign. Costing €9m, the full back has made a breakaway from the conglomerate's clubs.
Impressing in pre-season, fans will hope to see more good performances in competitive matches.
6. CM: Dale Stephens
Holding down one of the central spots will most likely be Dale Stephens. With Brighton for four years, the midfielder signed from Charlton in 2014.
An integral part of Hughton's revolution, Stephens has played 123 league games in the last three years. Vital in their promotion charge of 2016/17, Stephens then enjoyed a strong debut season in the Premier League.
7. CM: Davy Propper
Netherlands international Davy Propper should likely line up beside Stephens in central midfield, with it probable Hughton sticks with who he knows for the league opener.
The signing of Yves Bissouma from Lille should keep Propper on high alert however, as the young Malian has impressed in his pre-season substitute appearances.
An important figure for the Seagulls, Propper's distribution will be imperative to bypassing the likes of Etienne Capoue and Will Hughes in Saturday's clash.
8. CAM: Pascal Gross
In the attacking midfield role is who many would suggest was Brighton's stand out man from the season previous. German Pascal Gross scored seven times last term and played all 38 games.
Signing a contract extension that will keep him on the south coast until 2022, Gross is eyeing another stellar campaign with the Seagulls.
A potential match winner, Gross will hope to outfox Ben Foster in Watford's goal with some stinging shots.
9. RW: Anthony Knockaert
On the right side of Brighton's three pronged attack is flair merchant Anthony Knockaert. Disliked by many opposing fans due to his propensity to hit the deck, the wily wide man will look to bring a direct threat.
Pacy and with an eye for goal, the Frenchman has been at the Seagulls since his move from Leicester in 2016.
A stand out in the Championship promotion season, he scored 15 goals. With only three last term, he will look to provide more of a killer instinct this campaign.
10. ST: Glenn Murray
Up top is experienced head Glenn Murray. Subbed in Brighton's last pre-season match against Nantes due to a back injury, the striker should be ready to go on Saturday.
Likely keeping Tomer Hemed and Jurgen Locadia out of the team, Murray's positional play and attacking instinct make him difficult to deal with. New signing Florin Andone is out injured, so the accomplished veteran will be Brighton's forward for this game.
Hoping to get the better of Christian Kabasele this weekend, Albion will look to him as their main goal scoring option.
11. LW: Solly March
Possibly not the name Brighton fans would like to see, but Hughton could easily plump for the ever reliable Solly March.
With Jose Izquierdo not quite fit after his World Cup exploits, March will likely feature after locking in a healthy amount of pre-season minutes.
It is possible new record signing Alireza Jahanbakhsh from AZ makes his debut, but it's likely Hughton will want to protect the Iranian early on until he settles in completely. The £17m man could prove a super sub late on if March begins to tire however.