Chelsea v Brentford: Line-ups confirmed for Rosenior league debut

Liam Rosenior is under the microscope again as Chelsea begin a new chapter against high-flying Brentford to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League.

Rosenior’s reign started with contrasting results in cup competition, as a convincing FA Cup win over Charlton Athletic was followed by a narrow 3-2 home defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of their EFL Cup semi-final.

The Blues currently sit eighth in the table and have won just one of their last nine Premier League matches, a run that has seen them concede first in each of their last three outings.

Saturday’s opponents Brentford present a stern test. Chelsea have won only one of their last eight top-flight meetings with the Bees, although that victory did come in this exact fixture last season.

The reverse meeting earlier in the campaign ended in an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Brentford arrive in buoyant mood after defying pre-season expectations. The Bees sit fifth in the Premier League table, just two points behind the Champions League places, and have collected points at a rate bettered only by Arsenal over the last six matches.

Chelsea team news

Joao Pedro leads the line as Reece James goes back to right-back after recent forays into midfield. Alejandro Garnacho gets the nod after his midweek exploits.

Chelsea XI: Robert Sánchez, Marc Cucurella, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah, Reece James, Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, Alejandro Garnacho, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, João Pedro

Brentford team news

Keith Andrews makes just one change as Mikkel Damsgaard returns.

Brentford XI: Caoimhín Kelleher, Rico Henry, Nathan Collins, Kristoffer Ajer, Michael Kayode, Vitaly Janelt, Yehor Yarmoliuk, Kevin Schade, Mathias Jensen, Mikkel Damsgaard, Igor Thiago

How to watch Chelsea v Brentford: TV channel, online stream

Chelsea v Brentford kicks off at 3pm UK time on Saturday afternoon. As per the usual blackout rules, it will not be broadcast.

Fans abroad can checking their local networks for coverage.

The stats for Chelsea v Brentford

• Chelsea have won just one of their last eight Premier League matches against Brentford
• The reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a 2-2 draw
• Chelsea have conceded the opening goal in each of their last three league matches
• Brentford sit fifth in the Premier League, two points off the top four
• Brentford have never drawn a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge