Chelsea heads to Brentford today, and the West London rivals will be locked in a battle for a Champions League spot. That’s the goal for Chelsea, anyway. Brentford, mid-table and looking to get back on track, will be hoping to recapture some of that early-season form as the Premier League season enters its final stretch.
Brentford
Brentford’s been struggling for consistency lately. That 2-1 defeat to Newcastle in midweek was the latest in a run of ups and downs. Thomas Frank’s side had been on a roll earlier this year—with five wins on the road—but that momentum’s been lost. Injuries aren’t helping. Fabio Carvalho, Joshua Dasilva, and Igor Thiago are all out with knee or shoulder problems. Aaron Hickey and Gustavo Nunes are doubtful due to fitness issues. But Rico Henry could be back in the mix—and Mathias Jensen might be ready to come off the bench after his illness.
Brentford will rely on Yoane Wissa to lead the attack, supported by Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade on the wings. Christian Nørgaard and Vitaly Janelt will anchor the midfield as they look to disrupt Chelsea’s rhythm.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Flekken; Van den Berg, Collins, Pinnock, Lewis-Potter; Nørgaard, Janelt; Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Schade; Wissa.
Chelsea
Chelsea, meanwhile, are in fourth place with 52 points from 30 matches. They’ve shown some improvement recently, beating Tottenham 1-0 in midweek. But injuries are still a problem. Wesley Fofana and Romeo Lavia are out with muscle issues, Omari Kellyman’s out for the season, and Mykhailo Mudryk remains suspended.
Reece James should be back in the starting XI after a cameo against Spurs, while Noni Madueke could start after recovering from injury. Cole Palmer will be key in midfield, and Nicolas Jackson will lead the line as Chelsea look to end their away blues—they’ve lost their last four Premier League matches on the road.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.
Key Stats
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Brentford are winless in their last four home league games against Chelsea (D2 L2), with their last home win over the Blues dating back to October 1938.
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Chelsea are aiming for their first league double over Brentford since the 1946/47 season after winning the reverse fixture 2-1 in December.
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Brentford have failed to keep a clean sheet at home this season, going 16 straight home games without one—the longest streak in Premier League history.
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Chelsea have lost their last four Premier League away games; another defeat would mark five consecutive road losses for the first time since 2000.
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Cole Palmer has been directly involved in 20 goals this season (14 goals and six assists) and remains Chelsea’s creative focal point.
Player to Watch: Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has been instrumental for Chelsea since joining from Manchester City. His ability to dictate play from central areas or drift wide makes him a key threat against Brentford’s vulnerable defense. With his vision and intelligent movement between the lines, Palmer could be decisive in breaking down Brentford’s compact setup.
Brentford vs Chelsea Prediction
Brentford’s home struggles and injury concerns make them underdogs against an improving Chelsea side. While Thomas Frank’s men may battle hard at home, Chelsea’s attacking depth and quality should see them edge out a narrow victory.
Brentford 1-2 Chelsea
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