Plenty to be excited about or reasons for a bit of concern?

Both appear to be apparent as Albion go into their final pre-season friendly.

Fabian Huerzeler’s arrival and the departure of Pascal Gross are big reasons why this coming campaign feels different.

And the unfamiliar can feel uncomfortable.

One suspects Albion have not yet put out their preferred starting XI and we will see if they get any closer when they host Villarreal today (3pm).

There has been excitement about the arrival of Huerzeler to the Premier League as its youngest head coach.

Albion have been active in the summer transfer market with the arrival of Yankuba Minteh creating most of the immediate excitement.

We still wait to see what Mats Wieffer and Ibrahim Osman can offer with Malick Yalcouye and Amario Cozier-Duberry of promise for the longer term.

And there has been nothing but wins, for what that is worth in pre-season.

Amid the excitement might be question marks over the level of opposition in the three public friendlies.

QPR was widely seen as a step-up in level from games against Kashima Antlers and Tokyo Verdy in Japan.

At the same time, only one team in those three matches failed to trouble the Seagulls at the back – and that was QPR.

So excitement – but BBC Radio Sussex expert summariser Warren Aspinall highlighted reasons for concern after the 1-0 win at Loftus Road, secured by a rather soft penalty.

Aspinall said he saw more pace in midfield than previously and more players getting forward, both of which he welcomed.

But he added: “The two central midfield players and the two full-back situations, I’m a bit worried if I’m really honest.

“The first game of the season, I want the strongest side to be out here.

“At the moment, it’s not looking too good.”

He told listeners: “I’m feeling less confident because of the players who are missing.

“Players who are missing, is it from injury or being on international duty?

“Carlos Baleba is not a left-back, that’s for sure.

“He played (James) Milner as a central midfield player.

“We are talking the Premier League here, against world class players.

“Milner is coming towards the end of his career but he is not a central midfielder for me, going box to box.”

Huerzeler has indicated he does indeed see Baleba as a possible full-back option and there will be eyes on whether Jack Hinshelwood, Mats Wieffer, Joao Pedro and Lewis Dunk can contribute more than last Saturday.

Excitement? Yes, but cautious excitement with a hint of trepidation.

The new season is drawing near.