Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
Danny Welbeck is in line to make his first Premier League start for Chelsea on Friday following an injury to Joao Pedro.
Pedro was in undroppable form, scoring three goals and providing three assists after just four games this season. However, Chelsea could be without the Brazilian when they travel to Brentford.
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It would be a blow for Xabi Alonso, and Chelsea fans will be concerned. The team have struggled defensively in the current campaign, but they have been magnificent going forward because of Pedro, Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers.
Welbeck is not a bad replacement, though. The 35-year-old has already scored three goals in the Carabao Cup, including a brace against Leeds United, and has a very good record versus Brentford.
In total, Welbeck has faced Brentford nine times in his career. Across those games, the former Brighton & Hove Albion man has scored six goals.
Danny Welbeck’s record vs Brentford Total
Games 9
Wins 5
Losses 2
Draws 2
Goals 6
Assists 0
Hopefully it is not long before Pedro returns if he is sidelined. Following Rogers’ arrival, Pedro has revealed he has had to alter his game, but the Brazil international has still thrived in a blue shirt.
Emmanuel Emegha is the other centre-forward option at Chelsea, but he is yet to play because of his own fitness problems. Everything, then, is pointing towards Welbeck getting the nod to start at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Pedro will be backing his likely replacement to get the job done in Friday’s west London derby. According to Pedro, Welbeck is the best finisher at Chelsea. However, Welbeck scoring a goal or two will not be enough if Chelsea continue defending the way they have been.
Alonso solving their defensive issues is not going to be an overnight fix, even when Moises Caicedo returns. The Ecuadorian will be a massive help, but Chelsea clearly have a structural problem right now. Not everything can be pinned on bad individual defending.