Chelsea will be looking to climb into the top half of the Premier League table when they make the trip across the capital to face rivals Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
After suffering a heartbreaking extra-time defeat in the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, the Blues returned to winning ways when they overcame Leeds United side 3-2 at Stamford Bridge to secure their place in the FA Cup quarter-finals, where they have been drawn at home to Championship leaders Leicester City.
Mauricio Pochettino’s boys now shift their focus back to the Premier League as they aspire to move closer to bounce back to winning ways in the Premier League and boost their European qualification hopes.
Chelsea Team News
Thiago Silva missed the last three games with a groin problem but is back in training and is in with a chance to make the squad. Marc Cucurella has been spotted in light training after undergoing ankle surgery in December and his status is similar to the veteran Brazil defender with respect to his chances of making the matchday squad.
Christopher Nkunku is the latest Chelsea player to fall victim to injury, with the French attacker ruled out for up to four weeks with an unspecified issue. Meanwhile, Benoit Badiashile and Carney Chukwuemeka are in a position to return to action in mid-March.
Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Brentford (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Robert Sanchez made his first Chelsea appearance in the 3-2 FA Cup win over Leeds in midweek after being sidelined for the last two months. However, Mauricio Pochettino could recall Djordje Petrovic to the Chelsea lineup for the league game at Brentford.
Defence
Chelsea are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation once again, with two alterations set to take place at the back.
Ben Chilwell and Levi Colwill made substitute appearances off the bench against Leeds but are likely to start in the Chelsea lineup here. The former will slot in at left-back, while the latter partners Axel Disasi in central defence. Malo Gusto, who has been among the Blues’ best players of late, must retain his spot at right-back.
Midfield
Moises Caicedo will feature alongside Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the park. The duo will form the double pivot, look to protect the backline and ensure they dictate the tempo of play.
Conor Gallagher, who came off the bench to score the winner against Leeds on Wednesday, will look to make a difference in the final third from the No.10 role in the Chelsea lineup.
Attack
Cole Palmer was afforded some much-needed rest and only came on for the last 20 minutes in Chelsea’s 3-2 win over Leeds. So, he should be fresh to start the game against the Bees. The Englishman should operate from the right flank in the Chelsea lineup, while Raheem Sterling will hope to make a difference from the opposite wing.
Nicolas Jackson, who scored a valuable equaliser in the midweek cup fixture, should lead the Chelsea attack. If Pochettino needs a spark in attack, he could turn to Mykhaylo Mudryk and Noni Madueke on the bench.
