Xabi Alonso
Chelsea will attempt to steady their season when they make the trip across west London to face Brentford on Friday night.
Xabi Alonso’s side have taken seven points from their opening four Premier League matches, but their last two results have raised questions.
REUTERS/John Sibley
The Blues surrendered a lead in a 2-1 defeat to Arsenal before being held 2-2 by newly promoted Hull City. Morgan Rogers put Chelsea ahead against Hull, only for two defensive mistakes to turn the game around before Joao Pedro rescued a point.
Chelsea have offered plenty going forward, scoring regularly and creating chances through Rogers, Cole Palmer and Joao Pedro.
Their problems have appeared at the opposite end, where Alonso’s rebuilt side are still waiting for their first league clean sheet of the campaign.
Brentford will be ready to test that weakness at the Gtech Community Stadium.
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|Chelsea vs Brentford - overall head-to-head record|
|Record|Total|
|---|
|Matches played|25|
|Chelsea wins|12|
|Draws|6|
|Brentford wins|7|
|Chelsea win rate|48%|
|Brentford win rate|28%|
The Bees are unbeaten and began their season with an impressive 3-0 home victory over Tottenham. Kevin Schade then scored twice in last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, underlining the pace and direct threat Chelsea must control.
Alonso’s selection could be shaped by a number of late fitness checks.
Joao Pedro has withdrawn from Brazil’s squad because of an injury after missing Chelsea training earlier this week. The forward has been absolutely central to their attack, making his fitness a major concern.
REUTERS/Hollie Adams
Alonso refused to disclose the exact nature of the problem at his pre-match press conference, but he refused to rule the player out, explaining that Chelsea will make their decision following Friday’s final session.
“No one is ruled out. We will wait until tomorrow,” Alonso said.
Moisés Caicedo could also return after missing Chelsea’s previous three matches.
The midfielder was forced off shortly after coming on against Brighton last month, but Alonso confirmed he is nearing availability and will also receive a final assessment.
Moises-Caicedo-chelsea
Captain Reece James missed part of an open training session this week and remains another player whose condition will be checked.
Chelsea trio in line for debuts at Brentford after key Alonso injury update
REUTERS/David Klein
There is better news elsewhere, with Jordan Henderson, Emmanuel Emegha and Marco Palestra all pushing to make their competitive Chelsea debuts against Brentford, as per Standard Sport.
The three summer arrivals have been unable to feature so far because of injuries, but each has recently returned to training.
Henderson’s inclusion would carry an added layer of interest.
The experienced midfielder joined Chelsea on a free transfer after leaving Brentford and could make his first appearance against his former club.
jordan-henderson-england-world-cup
He has been recovering from a broken wrist which required surgery after England’s World Cup match against Mexico. A return at the Gtech would give Alonso another experienced option in a midfield which has badly missed Caicedo’s presence.
Emegha suffered an injury during pre-season after making a promising start in Chelsea’s private warm-up fixtures.
His recovery is particularly timely because any absence for Joao Pedro would leave Alonso needing another focal point in attack.
Emmanuel Emegha for Strasbourg
Emmanuel Emegha for Strasbourg
Palestra, meanwhile, picked up a minor training problem before the opening league game at Fulham. The Italian can operate on either flank and would provide valuable cover if James is not ready.
None of the trio is guaranteed to start, but simply having them available would seriously strengthen Alonso’s bench.
Former players and TV pundits Roy Keane and Paul Merson
Former players and TV pundits Roy Keane and Paul Merson