Chelsea vs Brentford Prediction & Match Preview
Premier League | Gameweek 10
Oct 28, 2023 at 12.30pm UK
Stamford Bridge
After securing a 2-2 draw against Arsenal and dropping two valuable points, Chelsea is eager to reclaim their winning form in the Premier League as they prepare to face Brentford in another thrilling London derby.
The Blues have displayed significant offensive improvements, with their recent performance in the North London derby providing fans with a hopeful outlook for the upcoming clash on Saturday.
Fit-again fullback Reece James is vying for a starting position, while Chilwell, Fofana, and Chalobah continue their recovery efforts.
On the other hand, the Bees impressed by defeating Burnley 3-0 in front of their home crowd. However, their track record of three winless matches on the road suggests that the hosts are poised to secure all three points in this local derby.
It’s unlikely that Thomas Frank will make changes to the team that outperformed Burnley over the weekend. Players such as Keane Lewis-Potter, Kevin Schade, Rico Henry, Mikkel Damsgaard, Shandon Baptiste, and Joshua Da Silva are still on the path to recovery.
Team News:
Chelsea is still dealing with the absence of several players due to injuries. Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, and Carney Chukwuemeka are all sidelined with knee injuries, while Ben Chilwell and Trevoh Chalobah have thigh injuries. Romeo Lavia is also recovering from an ankle injury. Armando Broja is currently out with a knee issue but might be available for the EFL Cup clash with Blackburn Rovers next week.
Reece James has recovered from a hamstring problem and is likely to compete with Malo Gusto for a starting position against Brentford. Axel Disasi is pushing for a return to the center-back position, which could lead to Levi Colwill moving to left-back, replacing Marc Cucurella.
Palmer, who has contributed two goals and two assists in his last four starts, is expected to maintain his place in the attack. Nicolas Jackson is hoping to rejoin the starting lineup, potentially replacing either Mudryk or Raheem Sterling.
On the Brentford side, Rico Henry, Mikkel Damsgaard, Kevin Schade, Josh Dasilva, Shandon Baptiste, and Keane Lewis-Potter are all sidelined with injuries. However, Aaron Hickey is available after serving a one-match suspension and is expected to return as the left-back. Vitaly Janelt will likely move to his usual position in center-midfield.
Ben Mee is fit and available and could start in a back three alongside Nathan Collins and Ethan Pinnock if the team switches to a 3-5-2 formation. This change might lead to Neal Maupay being on the substitutes’ bench while Mbeumo and Wissa lead the attack.
