Chelsea head to Brentford in search of payback and to keep their unbeaten run under Enzo Maresca alive.
Injury woes and possible setup for Chelsea against Brentford
Chelsea arrive after that 2-0 win over Fulham, but the squad list looks rough for Enzo Maresca. Liam Delap’s long-term hamstring blow rules him out for months. That piles on the pressure with Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo already in the treatment room.
Now, that leaves Joao Pedro to lead the line. He needs to show his trickery and sharp finishing against a tough Brentford defense. Behind him, Estevao and Pedro Neto will be expected to bring flair and pace. In the meantime, it would be also possible for Jamie Gittens to come in as a way to stretch the game out wide.
In midfield, balance is important with Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. They must own the ball and control the tempo. The back four of Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, and Cucurella is likley to protect Sanchez. Although, keeping clean sheets has been Chelsea’s biggest test.
The silver lining for the Blues is the return of Cole Palmer from a groin issue. The fans will be looking forward to seeing Alejandro Garnacho. He will probably be the spark off the bench that Maresca is seeking.
The Bees look to spoil the party
Keith Andrews has steadied Brentford despite a summer of change, and his side won’t be rolling over at home. The return of Vitaly Janelt from a long layoff is a big lift, adding steel in midfield. Reiss Nelson, signed on Deadline Day, is tipped to play a part. He could cause trouble with his pace and direct play.
Michael Kayode’s availability also strengthens the Bees’ backline, while Thiago is likely to lead the attack in their 4-2-3-1 shape.
The Bees have had Chelsea’s number in recent meetings, winning three on the bounce. So, the pressure is on Maresca to flip that script.
Predicted lineup
Chelsea predicted XI : Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Caicedo, Sandro; Neto, Fernandez, Estevao; Pedro.
Brentford predicted XI : Kelleher; Kayode, Collins, Van den Berg, Henry; Henderson, Jensen; Ouattara, Damsgaard, Schade; Thiago.
Author’s Opinion:
Chelsea have the stronger squad on paper, but Brentford’s record in this fixture can’t be ignored. If Joao Pedro and Estevao click early, the Blues should finally end their losing run against the Bees.
