Liam Rosenior will be in charge of his first Premier League game as Chelsea manager on Saturday, January 17, at 3 p.m. GMT, when the Blues host Brentford at Stamford Bridge. The match is between Chelsea, who are in eighth place, and Brentford, who are in fifth place. The two clubs are only two points apart.
Chelsea have had a rough time lately, losing their last five Premier League games. Brentford, on the other hand, have not lost any of their last six league games. The Blues have only won one of their last eight Premier League games against the Bees. This puts extra pressure on Rosenior as he tries to change that in his first game of the season.
Rosenior said that illness has gotten in the way of preparations for the important London derby. On Thursday, he told reporters that the club are trying to stop a virus that has spread to players and staff. He said:
“Liam [Delap] is still at home recovering at the moment, as is Jamie Gittens. Our club doctors are doing everything they can to contain what looks to be a virus, because some members of our staff have gone down with it as well.”
The Chelsea manager said they have put in place basic hygiene rules to stop the spread.
“We had a meeting today with the players about the basics such as washing their hands because it is really important and hopefully we can contain it,” he said. “We have a busy period, so we need everyone ready to go, fit and healthy.”
In the UK, Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League will show the match live. In the US, NBCSN and Peacock will show it at 10 a.m. ET.
Prediction: Chelsea 2, Brentford 1. Rosenior will be eager to win his first Premier League game, and playing at home could make a big difference, even though Brentford are playing well. Expect a close game with both teams scoring.
Brentford’s Unbeaten Streak Will Be Put To The Test In The London Derby
Brentford have not lost in their last six Premier League games, which is their best run in the league so far, with four wins and two draws. But their away record in London derbies is still a worry. Brentford have lost 11 of their last 15 away London derbies in the Premier League, and in each loss, they gave up at least two goals.
Brentford have done well this season, thanks in large part to the partnership between Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade. No other two players in the Premier League have scored more goals together than these two, with Schade giving Thiago three assists. Thiago’s 16 league goals are the most ever scored by a Brazilian in a single Premier League season.
Keith Andrews’ players will try to take advantage of Chelsea’s recent weaknesses. In their last three league games, the Blues have given up the first goal and then lost their rhythm. History shows that Brentford have the skill to hold on to a lead if they get it first.