Chelsea will entertain West London rivals Brentford in an early lunchtime kick-off at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, as Mauricio Pochettino and co. look to get back to winning ways in the Premier League.
The Blues’ two-game winning run in the Premier League was snapped last weekend when they drew 2-2 with Arsenal at home. Mauricio Pochettino was left hugely frustrated last weekend after his side threw a two-goal lead in the second half to take just a point against the Gunners.
Nevertheless, the Pensioners have shown signs of progress in recent weeks, picking up seven points from their last three league matches and climbing into the top 10.
Chelsea Team News
Chelsea’s injury list have eased in recent weeks, with only short-term pair of Armando Broja and Carney Chukwuemeka joining long-term absentees Christopher Nkunku, Ben Chilwell, Romeo Lavia, Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana on the sidelines.
Reece James appears to have not had any setbacks after returning from injury through a late cameo against Arsenal last Saturday.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Brentford (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez has endured a few shaky moments in goal since joining the club from Brighton in the summer. It was his high-profile error that gifted Arsenal a goal and a route back into the game last weekend. Nonetheless, Pochettino is expected to stick with the Spaniard between the sticks for the visit of Brentford.
Defence
In front of Sanchez, Thiago Silva should pair up with Levi Colwill at the heart of Chelsea’s defence, and the duo must deal well with the dual threat of Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo.
Despite Reece James not suffering any setbacks after making his injury return via a late substitute appearance in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal, Pochettino is unlikely to start the England international and will stick with Malo Gusto at right-back. Marc Cucurella has impressed in the last couple of games and deserves to keep his spot at left-back.
Midfield
The trio of Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo functioned extremely well against Arsenal in the middle of the park, recycling possession and disrupting the visitors’ rhythm. It is highly likely Pochettino will stick with the same midfield trio on Saturday, as Chelsea looks to set the tempo of the game early on against Brentford.
Lesley Ugochukwu and Ian Maatsen must again have to be content with roles on the bench.
Attack
Cole Palmer was excellent against Arsenal, linking play very well from a false 9 role and scoring the penalty to give Chelsea the lead. With two goals and two assists in his last four starts, the Englishman is expected to retain his place in attack, with Raheem Sterling and Mykhaylo Mudryk starting on either side of him.
Sterling and Mudryk will be responsible for stretching the Brentford defence from wide areas and feeding Palmer in the box. If called upon from the bench, Nicolas Jackson will be vying to make an impression in the West London derby.