Chelsea welcome 15th placed Brentford to Stamford Bridge on Saturday for MW 31 of the Premier League season. Brentford sit eight points above the relegation zone with no games in hand having lost three of their last five in the league. The season started brilliantly for Brentford but over the course of it they have realised and slotted back into a more realistic position in the table. Thomas Frank and co should be safe this season but they are still one of those teams that could find themselves back in contention for survival.
Chelsea go into this game having all five of their last five games. Given all the speculation and noise off the pitch, on the pitch Tuchel and co have done brilliantly. Chelsea sit 3rd in the table with two games in hand and 10 points behind Liverpool. The club also sits five points clear of Arsenal who are 4th. For Chelsea it’s a case of just continuing the momentum, we are still in the Champions League and FA Cup and you never know what can happen. The reverse fixture came at a time when Brentford were new and flying high and it was a tough test that Chelsea won 0-1. The team had to defend and were lucky but we got through. We also played each other in the Carabao Cup which was a relatively easier game.
Chelsea Team Preview
Tuchel will be without Callum Hudson-Odoi for this game while Pulisic only returned to the club yesterday and still might be suffering from jet lag. Chilwell remains the only long term injury. Mendy should start in goal with a back three of Chalobah, Christensen, and Rudiger. Silva could start but I think he will be saved for the Real Madrid game. Reece James is back and should start at right wing back while I think Saul should start a left wing back. Jorginho, and Kovacic should start as the midfielders with Mount, Havertz, and Lukaku starting up front. Ziyech or Werner could start but I expect that to happen in a four at the back formation. It will be a good lineup regardless and Tuchel will also be thinking about Real Madrid in the Champions League as well.
Brentford Team Preview
Thomas Frank should have a strong lineup to select from. Eriksen has made a big impact for the team in recent games and they are always a threat from set pieces and on the counter. They usually play in a 3-5-2 but have recently shifted to a four at the back system. Others like Toney have been in good form as well so there is always a threat.
Starting XI Prediction
It’s a grueling period of football over the next two months for Chelsea. Our home games in the league will also not have a full capacity until the club isn’t sold. Regardless like Tuchel said it’s time to be focused and do our talking on the pitch. COME ON CHELSEA!!!