Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro is a doubt for Chelsea's trip to Brentford this evening(Image: Alexander Canillas/MB Media)
View 4 Images
There is so much uncertainty around the Chelsea players Xabi Alonso has available to him this evening.
Whether Alonso knows for sure or not is unclear but the Blues manager was even more secretive than usual when discussing team news on Thursday afternoon.
Joao Pedro withdrew from the Brazil squad earlier this week with what was described as an injury by the national team. However, Alonso said it was a "possibility" he would feature at the Gtech Community Stadium against Brentford this evening.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Reece James did not train in the first 15 minutes - the time period that TV cameras were permitted to record - of Chelsea's session on Tuesday. Alonso, though, would not confirm whether his captain has a problem or not. Instead, he said "tomorrow, we will decide".
Alonso delivered a similar answer to questions on the fitness of Moises Caicedo, Marco Palestra and Jordan Henderson. With such uncertainty, football.london has predicted the line-up Alonso will use in tonight's Premier League trip to Brentford.
Emiliano Martinez
There is not too much uncertainty around the goalkeeper. Martinez is likely to start again despite making a shaky start since moving from Aston Villa towards the end of the summer transfer window.
Wesley Fofana
Alonso might revert to a back three this evening. Fofana could start on the right-hand side of a defensive trio. Josh Acheampong is in with a shout, too, due to Brentford's physical attack but the Cobham graduate could be named on the bench in west London.
Maxence Lacroix
After being left on the bench in the draw with Hull City six days ago, Lacroix could return to the defence tonight. The France international is strong in the air and might be required for Brentford's long throw-ins, and he's also very quick to help out in transitional phases.
Maxence Lacroix in action during Chelsea's win over Luton Town
Maxence Lacroix has enjoyed an impressive start to life at Chelsea(Image: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
View 4 Images
Levi Colwill
Colwill hasn't started the season excellently but he remains, on his day, perhaps Chelsea's best centre-back. It could be a case of Alonso trying to play the England international into form.
Pedro Neto
Neto seems to suit the right wing-back role down to a tee. If Palestra is fully fit, he might be thrown straight into the deep end for his Premier League debut. Given the young Italian has been injured for the last few weeks, though, Alonso might be a bit cautious in that regard.
Reece James
Here's hoping James' absence from training was just due to a different schedule. When approached by football.london earlier in the week, a Chelsea source said something along the lines of: "It was the only the first 15 minutes and players can have different schedules." That was, though, in general rather than relating specifically to James, it is worth noting.
Romeo Lavia
Even if Caicedo is fit, like with Palestra, Alonso might think twice about starting him. The same can be said about Henderson. Valentin Barco is an option but Alonso has opted with Lavia instead of the Argentine in the Premier League.
Moises Caicedo
Moises Caicedo has made just one appearance for Chelsea this season(Image: Adrian Dennis/AFP)
View 4 Images
Jorrel Hato
Despite Hato's nightmare display against Hull, where he was hooked at the half-time break, Alonso might think the Dutchman is a more sensible option than Pep Chavarria against a physical side. It really wouldn't shock you if Chavarria is on the left, though, and even Malo Gusto is an option there.
Cole Palmer
Palmer has started the season in superb fashion, yet Alonso vowed there is "more to come" from the 24-year-old when speaking on Thursday. That's an exciting thought. Alonso will be hoping Palmer continues his impressive start to the campaign tonight.
Morgan Rogers
Rogers has scored in back-to-back matches in the Premier League. Both of them coming really early on in the match as well, so Chelsea will be hoping to make a quick start once again. Alonso won't care if it's his £117million man or not.
Danny Welbeck
The fact Joao Pedro has withdrawn from the Brazil squad surely means he can't play. Alonso said it was a "possibility" but that could just be mind-games from the Chelsea boss. Welbeck more than deserves this opportunity and Alonso will be hoping he can soften the blow of losing Joao Pedro - if the Brazilian is indeed missing.
Danny Welbeck celebrates
Danny Welbeck celebrates scoring his first goal for Chelsea(Image: Richard Heathcote)
View 4 Images
Predicted Chelsea XI (3-4-3): Martinez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, James, Lavia, Hato; Palmer, Rogers, Welbeck