Chelsea will be aiming to break their poor run of form against Brentford at Stamford Bridge in this all-West London clash. Despite their recent scoring spree, Chelsea have struggled at home against the Bees, losing their last three meetings in SW6. Brentford, meanwhile, will be eager to exploit any defensive frailties Chelsea may show and continue their strong record in this fixture.
Both sides are coming off high-scoring wins in their last Premier League outings, and goals are likely to be on the cards again. However, Chelsea's depth and recent performances suggest they may have the upper hand this time.
Enzo Maresca is likely to stick with the core of the side that triumphed over Spurs last week, especially after heavily rotating for their midweek European fixture in Kazakhstan. Robert Sánchez should continue in goal, with Malo Gusto expected to start at right-back after his strong showing in the second half against Tottenham.
Benoît Badiashile and Levi Colwill will likely form the centre-back partnership, while Marc Cucurella should retain his place at left-back.
In midfield, the dependable duo of Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández are set to start, providing the defensive stability Chelsea will need against Brentford’s dangerous counter-attacks. Further upfield, Noni Madueke is poised to replace the suspended Pedro Neto on the right wing.
Cole Palmer, who has been in sparkling form, will continue in the No. 10 role, with Mykhaylo Mudryk likely to feature on the left if he has recovered from illness. Nicolas Jackson should lead the line as Chelsea’s primary striker.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup
Sanchez; Gusto, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Here is how the side last lined up
Thomas Frank is expected to make tactical adjustments after deploying an unusually attacking formation last time out. Brentford’s likely approach will include a more conservative backline.
Mark Flekken should keep his place in goal, with a defensive four of Mads Roerslev, Nathan Collins, Ethan Pinnock, and Kristoffer Ajer providing solidity.
In midfield, captain Christian Nørgaard will anchor the centre, supported by the returning Vitaly Janelt, who missed the Newcastle clash. Mikkel Damsgaard is likely to slot into the attacking midfield role, offering creativity going forward.
Bryan Mbeumo and Keane Lewis-Potter should take up the wide positions, while Yoane Wissa may be deployed as the central striker.
Flekken; Roerslev, Collins, Pinnock, Van den Berg; Norgaard, Janelt; Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Lewis-Potter; Wissa
Here is how the side last lined up