Chelsea will look to bounce back to winning ways on Saturday’s early kickoff when they welcome Brentford to Stamford Bridge for a London derby in the Premier League, with kickoff slated for 11:30 GMT.
Key Highlights
Chelsea Turning The Corner?
Three matches without defeat is a novelty at Stamford Bridge nowadays. Their last three matches have resulted in two wins and a draw, the latest of which was the 2-2 draw against unbeaten Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.
Mauricio Pochettino and his charges will hope these are good omens for their immediate future as the Argentinian tactician looks to mold Chelsea into a coherent, disciplined, and winning unit.
The next visitors to Stamford Bridge will be Brentford, whose recent history shows that they are not easy customers for the Blues and love bloodying their noses.
Pochettino will hope his side can hold their nerve and put in a shift that results in three points as Chelsea continue their revival in the Todd Boehly-Clearlake ownership era.
Brentford’s Poor Run of Results
By their lofty standards, Brentford have not been in a good run of form in recent matches. In their last five outings, they have won just once in their last five matches, a run that includes a draw and three losses.
Bet hereThe Bees have won just twice in their opening nine rounds of fixtures, drawn four times, and lost three matches. Thomas Frank will look for a revival for his side as he builds toward better form and winning form.
A trip to Stamford Bridge and the derby clash against Chelsea presents the next hurdle in their recovery process. It is a ground that they have shown significant form and ability to cause upsets and take points.
Thomas Frank will hope that the past is prologue as he goes hunting for the win away to Chelsea on Saturday.
Injury Report
Chelsea
Chelsea’s injury problems show no sign of easing. Mauricio Pochettino is still missing important players due to injury.
Some of those out with injuries include left-back Ben Chilwell (hamstring injury), attacking midfielder Christopher Nkunku (knee injury), and center-backs Wesley Fofana (torn cruciate ligament) and Trevor Chalobah (thigh problems).
New signing Romeo Lavia is also unavailable for selection ahead of the clash against Brentford. Goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli (unknown injury), and central midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka (knee) are also missing.
Right-back Reece James will continue his comeback after making a late cameo against Arsenal last Saturday.
Brentford
Thomas Frank is still without the suspended Ivan Toney, with the striker expected back by January 17th, 2024.
Brentford will be without left winger Mikkel Damsgaard (knee injury), right winger Kevin Schade (adductor injury), central midfielder Shandon Baptiste (shoulder injury), and central midfielder Josh Dasilva (hamstring).
Possible Lineups
Chelsea
R. Sanchez; M. Gusto, T. Silva, L. Colwill, M. Cucurella; M. Caicedo, E. Fernandez; R. Sterling, C. Gallagher, C. Palmer; N. Jackson
Brentford
M. Flekken; K. Ajer, N. Collins, E. Pinnock, V. Janelt; F. Onyeka, C. Norgaard, M. Jensen; B. Mbeumo, N. Maupay, Y. Wissa
Prediction
Chelsea will look to play on the front foot. They will look to press from the front and dominate the ball. They will focus on dominating the middle of the pack, playing from the back, and setting the match’s tempo.
Wide players will tuck into the middle and fullbacks will push forward to force Brentford back and allow them to dictate the play and create chances.
Brentford will look to be solid and compact in their approach. They will employ a medium press that will allow them to be compact in the middle of the pack and attack on the counter.
Chelsea will win the match and make it four matches without defeat in the Premier League.
Make sure to bet on Chelsea vs Brentford with 22Bet!
Bet here
