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 in recent seasons 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.
1. GK: Ben Foster
In goal is Ben Foster. Beating out the ageing Heurelho Gomes to firmly cement himself between the sticks, Watford new number one is in fact their old one.
A stand out in West Brom's dismal relegation campaign last season, they could have been down months before it if was not for Foster's amazing performances.
Now back with the team he spent two loan spells at between 2005 and 2007, the experienced head will look forward to his third professional bow with the club.
2. RB: Daryl Janmaat
A tricky position to predict, Daryl Janmaat nudges ahead at right back due to his continued performances in preseason. The Dutchman moved from Newcastle in 2016, and has played well in patches so far.
Fending off Kiko Femenia and Marc Navarro, Javi Gracia will likely be a fan of his Premier League experience.
Solid all round, a slight improvement in his end product would be useful. His strikers will try and feed off his crosses and, as an overlapping full back, Janmaat is expected to provide.
3. CB: Christian Kabasele
Studying Javi Gracia's pre-season team selection, it appears that Christian Kabasele is in line to start at centre back on Saturday.
The defender was narrowly cut from Roberto Martinez's World Cup squad in favour of Celtic's Dedryck Boyata, and the ex-Genk player will look to kick on this season.
Kabasele will hope to better his 28 Premier League appearances of last term, and is likely to begin his pursuit against Brighton.
4. CB: Craig Cathcart
On the other side, Northern Ireland international Craig Cathcart to get the nod. Impressing in pre-season, the Belfast born player will look to re-energise his Watford career this year.
Only making seven starts last campaign, Cathcart will hope to beat out Miguel Britos and Sebastian Prodl for Saturday's clash.
Strong in aerial duels, the ex-Manchester United youngster is to be tasked with locking down veteran striker Glenn Murray. A good passer of the ball as well, Cathcart will try to receive from Foster and start moves.
5. LB: Adam Masina
At left back, Adam Masina. The new signing arrived from Bologna this summer, and has already gone to work in displacing Greek regular Jose Holebas.
Eleven years junior to his positional competitor, Masina will look to impress Gracia with his gut bursting runs up and down the wing. Offering an added element in attack should see him picked for this weekend.
Also known for his ability to push into midfield, such versatility will allow for tactical and formation changes throughout the season.
6. RM: Will Hughes
On the right side of midfield is Will Hughes. Shifting the ex-Derby man into a slightly wider role will give Watford a greater chance of retaining possession for long spells.
Capable of drifting inside for a three man midfield, his ability to switch positions could allow Gracia to switch formation to either 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 if the Hornets are chasing a goal.
Likely cutting inside more often than he is to blaze down the wing, Hughes will give his strikers space to play off the shoulder of Brighton's defence and charge on to his splitting through balls.
7. CM: Etienne Capoue
With Tom Cleverley further behind than hoped on a return to action from an Achilles injury, Etienne Capoue is almost certain to start in the centre of the park. Nathaniel Chalobah is also not ready to play so the Frenchman will be tasked with stopping Pascal Gross.
A goalscorer from deep two seasons ago, Capoue only managed one finish last term. Under Gracia, his role is likely to be even deeper.
Patchy when with Spurs, the midfielder has found home at Watford. It seems continued support in his talent has birthed a great player.
8. CM: Abdoulaye Doucoure
Having passed a fitness test on Thursday, man mountain Abdoulaye Doucoure is in line to return for the match at Vicarage Road. Dominating last season, the Frenchman scored seven goals in 37 matches.
Named player of the season and players' player of the season for his previous exploits, Doucoure has not played one minute of pre-season this time around.
It is unlikely to matter though, as his ability is evident. A must in Watford's central area when available, the condition of his fitness will be a deciding factor in Saturday's clash.
9. LM: Ken Sema
On the left side is a Ken Sema. Built like a brick you-know-what-house, the Swede was brought in from last season's surprise Europa League package Ostersunds FK.
At only 5'11, the 24-year-old has a gigantic frame and will prove an imposing figure to all opposing full backs this campaign. Arriving for a fee of £2m, Sema will be looking to get first team action.
It's very possible that's what he'll see on Saturday, as Stefano Okaka is out and Spaniard Gerard Deulofeu continues to struggle with a niggling injury.
10. AM: Isaac Success
In a supporting striker role could be Isaac Success. The Nigerian will be eager to kick on and make a big splash this season, starting this week against Brighton.
Rumours had swirled about a deadline day move to Aston Villa but it never materialised. On a six-month loan at Malaga last season, Success is now back and ready to fight for his place.
At 22 years old, the forward has plenty in the tank to be an important figure throughout the whole term.
11. ST: Andre Gray
Up top is striker Andre Gray. Edging out Watford legend Troy Deeney, the ex-Burnley man has an eye for goal and is likely to make the difference in this match.
Battling against Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy, Gray will try to use his speed this weekend to defeat two physical centre backs.
Sharp in pre-season fixtures, the 27-year-old only found the net five times in 31 league games last season. He will need to do better this campaign, though.