Brentford might turn out to be toughest early hurdle for Chelsea. Enzo Maresca is walking into a tricky test shaped by injuries, long flights, and tired legs.
Brentford ready to test limits of Chelsea
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has more than tactics to worry about this week. His key South American stars are flying back to London after tough World Cup qualifiers.
Joao Pedro, Estevao, and Andrey Santos played at high altitude in Bolivia, where even breathing can feel like a battle. Add in a 14-hour flight, and Chelsea’s midfield might arrive back at Cobham on empty tanks. Moises Caicedo has also been dealing with knocks and sat out Ecuador’s last match.
That leaves Maresca sweating on the fitness of players who have carried Chelsea’s attacking threat so far. With either Pedro, Caicedo, or Estevao involved in every one of the Blues’ seven goals this season.
The problem doesn’t end there. Romeo Lavia is still sidelined, while Dario Essugo’s thigh injury has only piled on the pressure. With Enzo Fernandez lucky to skip international duty due to suspension, he’s one of the few fresh legs available. Still, Brentford could expose a Chelsea midfield worth more than £300m that suddenly looks paper thin.
Injuries and timing
The timing of this clash makes it a nightmare for Maresca. Cole Palmer sparked some potential for a return but is still doubtful. Liam Delap and Levi Colwill are still in the treatment room. The Blues’ squad has a lack of sharpness and Brentford will make the most out of it.
The Bees thrive in these fixtures, mixing direct play with relentless energy. They’ll fancy their chances of punishing a side struggling to balance UCL ambitions with PL grind.
What this really means is that Chelsea cannot afford a slip. Brentford may not be a top-six rival, but they’ve built a reputation as giant-killers. A sloppy performance could undo the momentum Maresca is desperate to build in his first season.
Author’s Opinion:
Chelsea have the talent but not the freshness. Brentford, with their energy and belief, look ready to pounce if the Blues show even a hint of weakness. This one feels like a proper trap game.
