Chelsea travel to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford on Wednesday in the Premier League, aiming to win the West London derby’s bragging rights.
The Blues remain unbeaten under Graham Potter and are on a five-game winning run in all competitions. They beat Aston Villa 2-0 at Villa Park on Sunday to maintain a flawless October, with Mason Mount scoring a brace.
The win over Villa saw Potter’s side cement their position in fourth place, and they will be hoping to make it five Premier League wins on the bounce when they face rivals Brentford.
Chelsea Team News
Thiago Silva felt a little tightness in his hamstring after Chelsea beat Aston Villa, and while the veteran has been passed fit, his minutes will be managed heading into the busy period.
Reece James (knee), N’Golo Kante (hamstring) and Wesley Fofana (knee) are all injured for Chelsea, but Hakim Ziyech could return to the squad after missing the last two games with an illness.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Brentford (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been solid since reclaiming his spot in between the sticks. The Spaniard will look to keep another clean sheet on the road.
Defence
Potter is set to make changes to his defence following a quick turnaround. Thiago Silva could be given a night off after feeling tightness in his hamstring, with Kalidou Koulibaly replacing the veteran Brazilian in the Chelsea lineup.
Marc Cucurella and Trevoh Chalobah are expected to keep their places in Chelsea’s three-man backline.
Midfield
Cesar Azpilicueta is in contention to return, and the Spaniard is likely to replace Raheem Sterling at right wing-back in the Chelsea lineup. Ben Chilwell should operate from the other flank, and the Chelsea wing-backs must try dealing with everything that the Brentford wing-backs throw at them.
Jorginho is also primed for a return to Potter’s side. The Italian is expected to replace Ruben Loftus-Cheek in midfield, forming a double pivot with Mateo Kovacic in the Chelsea lineup.
Jorginho and Kovacic must be at their best to control the tempo of the game against a Brentford side that will be fired up for the derby.
Conor Gallagher provides an excellent option off the bench should Potter require more energy and bite in midfield.
Attack
Having played as a right wing-back against Aston Villa, Raheem Sterling could start in a more advanced role in midweek in the Chelsea lineup and influence the proceedings in the final third. He will look to link play with his compatriot Mason Mount and create openings for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in the box.
Mason Mount looks like a player reborn under the tutelage of Potter and deserves to keep his place in the Chelsea lineup, with Aubameyang leading the Chelsea attack once again.
Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz could be involved in the second half if Potter decides to freshen up his options in attack.