Chelsea v Brentford – Line-ups, stats and preview
Chelsea take on Brentford on Saturday in the Premier League. Read our in-depth preview here
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Match Preview for Chelsea v Brentford
Chelsea begin a new chapter under Liam Rosenior on Saturday afternoon as they welcome 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.
Team news for Chelsea v Brentford
Chelsea remain without Levi Colwill, Romeo Lavia and Mykhailo Mudryk, while Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens are unlikely to be involved due to illness.
Cole Palmer and Reece James are both edging closer to a return after missing the midweek defeat to Arsenal, with late decisions set to be made on their availability. Malo Gusto is also a doubt.
Moises Caicedo returns from suspension and is expected to anchor the midfield, while Alejandro Garnacho is pushing for a start after scoring twice off the bench in midweek. Rosenior has also hinted that Robert Sanchez’s place in goal is under threat following his display against Arsenal.
Brentford continue to be without Josh Dasilva, Fabio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo due to long-term knee injuries, while Jordan Henderson will be assessed after picking up an ankle issue.
Frank Onyeka remains on international duty at AFCON, but Dango Ouattara is available again and could return straight into the starting XI. Igor Thiago is set to lead the line after a prolific run in front of goal.
Expected line-ups for Chelsea v Brentford
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro
Brentford: Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Collins, Henry; Yarmolyuk, Janelt; Ouattara, Jensen, Schade; 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
Prediction
Chelsea
Brentford
Chelsea’s recent matches have consistently produced goals at both ends, and Brentford arrive with the confidence of a side pushing for European qualification.
With the Blues still adjusting under new management and the visitors in strong form, another open contest looks likely, but Rosenior may just have enough tools at his disposal to pick up a first Premier League win.
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