Chelsea is set to face Brentford in an exhilarating West London derby at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.
Both teams have shown impressive performances lately, making this clash highly anticipated.
Match Preview:
In their last three league matches, Brentford has collected seven points, scoring six goals and conceding only one.
They will be buzzing with confidence as they aim to continue their strong form against the Blues.
Chelsea, under the management of Mauricio Pochettino, has been making progress in recent weeks.
With seven points and eight goals in their last three Premier League games, they are steadily climbing up the table.
Despite a disappointing draw against Arsenal, Chelsea sits comfortably in the top 10, eager to close in on the European spots.
However, the road ahead won’t be easy for Chelsea.
Following the Brentford clash, they will face tough opponents like Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Manchester United.
A positive run of results during this period will be crucial for their ambitions.
Chelsea’s home form and record against fellow London clubs have been less than stellar.
They have only won two out of their last 15 Premier League fixtures at Stamford Bridge and have struggled in London derbies.
They will be hoping to turn things around and secure a much-needed victory on their home turf.
Brentford, on the other hand, secured their first three points at home last weekend with a convincing 3-0 win over Burnley.
This victory ended their six-game winless streak and propelled them to 14th place in the Premier League table.
Thomas Frank’s side aims to continue their upward trajectory and potentially surpass their impressive ninth-placed finish from the previous season.
In their previous two Premier League visits to Stamford Bridge, Brentford emerged victorious, making them the only team in history to win their first two matches at Chelsea’s home ground.
They also boast an unbeaten run of 12 games in London derbies, winning six and drawing six.
Their away form in such matches has been particularly strong, including a 3-0 win against Fulham earlier this season.
Team News:
Chelsea will be without Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Trevoh Chalobah, Romeo Lavia, and Armando Broja due to injuries.
Reece James is expected to compete with Malo Gusto for a starting spot, while Axel Disasi could return at center-back.
Cole Palmer, who has been in fine form, is likely to retain his place in attack.
Brentford will miss Rico Henry, Mikkel Damsgaard, Kevin Schade, Josh Dasilva, Shandon Baptiste, and Keane Lewis-Potter due to various injuries.
Aaron Hickey is set to return at left-back, and Ben Mee could feature in a back three formation alongside Nathan Collins and Ethan Pinnock.
Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa are expected to lead the line for the Bees.
Predicted Lineups:
Chelsea:
Sanchez;
Gusto, Disasi, Silva, Colwill;
Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher;
Palmer, Sterling, Mudryk
Brentford:
Flekken;
Collins, Mee, Pinnock;
Roerslev, Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt, Hickey;
Mbeumo, Wissa
Prediction:
While Brentford has had the upper hand in recent meetings with Chelsea, the Blues are showing signs of improvement under Pochettino.
If Chelsea’s attacking players find their scoring touch, they have a good chance of securing a narrow victory at Stamford Bridge.
- Final Score Prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
