Chelsea have enjoyed a strong start to the Premier League campaign and enter their fourth match of the season with one draw and two wins to their name. After an opening day wobble against Crystal Palace, the Blues have since beaten West Ham United and Fulham to leave themselves sitting second in the table.
The two-time European champions continue their run of London derbies this weekend when they make the short visit to Brentford. But ahead of the Saturday night match, Enzo Maresca has a couple of big team news calls to make after recent niggles and knocks. Express Sport details the most likely starting XI for this weekend's clash in the capital.
Goalkeeper: Sanchez
Few people expected Robert Sanchez to be Chelsea’s starting goalkeeper, and probably least amongst them was the 27-year-old himself. It looked for all the money in the world that Chelsea would strengthen that position this summer, but alas, the Spanish shot-stopper remains the club’s first-choice pick.
Defence: Gusto, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella
It’s likely Maresca rolls with the same starting back four that began proceedings against Fulham, especially as Reece James played plenty of minutes for England during the international break. That means Malo Gusto keeps his spot at right-back, with Marc Cucurella operating on the opposite flank. Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo haven’t looked the most assured of partnerships so far, so they’ll be hoping for a stronger showing.
Midfield: Caicedo, Fernandez, Estevao
There’s a South American taste to Chelsea’s midfield, but that might not necessarily be for the better. Maresca hinted that all the players who had international duty in South America can be considered ‘doubts’ for Saturday evening’s clash. However, with Cole Palmer not fully fit and Dario Essugo out until the new year, Maresca might not have much choice but to play Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Estevao.
Attack: Neto, Pedro, Gittens
It’s a similar case in attack, with Joao Pedro having played in both of Brazil’s qualifiers over the last week. He’s proved himself as an astute signing during his early days as a Chelsea player, with fellow newbie Jamie Gittens likely to come into the side. Pedro Neto, now into his second season as a Chelsea player, will make up the rest of Chelsea’s front three when they head to the Gtech Community Stadium.