Chelsea vs Brentford matchday preview, Team News, Injury, Lineup And Kickoff Time
Here is the matchday preview of Chelsea vs Brentford brought to you live from ajokeonifaari.
Chelsea will host Brentford at Stamford Bridge on Saturday afternoon in a West London derby as they look for their seventh consecutive win in all competitions.
Before the international break, the Blues advanced in the FA Cup with a 2-0 win against Middlesbrough, while the Bees most recently lost 2-1 to Leicester City.
Table of Contents
Match Preview
The uncertainty surrounding Chelsea’s future off the field appears to have energised Thomas Tuchel’s squad, who have done a fantastic job of focusing on their on-field concerns as they continue to strive for victory on three fronts this season.
Chelsea advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals with a 2-0 win over Boro in the FA Cup last time out, following Champions League success against Lille and a controversial top-flight victory over Newcastle United. Hakim Ziyech and Romelu Lukaku both scored.
Tuchel may have his sights set on the first leg of his side’s Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid on Wednesday evening, but the Blues will not want to lose their grip on third place in the Premier League table, where the European champions are comfortably five points ahead of Arsenal in fourth.
Chelsea’s six-game winning streak in all competitions is just what the doctor ordered before the brutal April calendar begins, and the Blues are also on a five-game winning streak in the Premier League, surrendering just one goal in the process.
Only Liverpool (7) have conceded less top-flight goals on their own turf than Chelsea (10) this season, with the Blues looking to make Brentford’s short trip across the capital a miserable one.
Brentford were dealt a harsh reality check when they visited the King Power Stadium in March, after seemingly turning a corner with back-to-back wins over Norwich City and Burnley. Two stunning Leicester goals condemned the Bees to yet another defeat.
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Before halftime, Timothy Castagne and James Maddison both scored stunning goals for the Foxes, and even though Yoane Wissa made things interesting with a goal of his own five minutes from time, Brentford was unable to make the net ripple once more.
Brentford’s score of one win from their previous 11 Premier League games on the road is cause for concern ahead of a visit to the Champions League holders, and it would be surprising if their record in the capital improves this weekend.
Furthermore, Chelsea has already defeated Brentford in the EFL Cup and the Premier League this season, maintaining two clean sheets and scoring three goals against their West London rivals.
Team News
Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell is out for the foreseeable future, and Tuchel has announced that Callum Hudson-Odoi is also out, although Andreas Christensen and Reece James are expected to return.
However, the Blues manager will most likely avoid taking any excessive risks with the pair, although Saul Niguez and Kepa Arrizabalaga might both return to the squad after recent illness.
Because Christian Pulisic will be late returning from international duty, a slot in the attack could open up for Timo Werner, who scored for Germany against Israel with Kai Havertz.
Meanwhile, Josh Dasilva of Brentford has served his three-match suspension but has suffered a hamstring injury, while Julian Jeanvier is still out with a major knee injury.
Christian Eriksen and Saman Ghoddos both tested positive for COVID-19 before the Leicester game, but the latter came back with a flourish for Denmark, scoring in both of their friendlies against the Netherlands and Serbia.
Frank will test the playmaker’s fitness, but he should be good to start in the hole at Stamford Bridge, while Wissa will be in no hurry to leave following his consolation against Leicester.
Chelsea Starting Lineup
Mendy; Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger, Alonso; Kante, Kovacic; Ziyech, Mount, Werner; Havertz
Brentford Starting Lineup
Raya; Ajer, Jansson, Pinnock, Henry; Norgaard, Jensen; Mbeumo, Eriksen, Wissa; Toney
Kickoff Time
The match will kick off at exactly 15.00 UK and 3.00 pm African time at the Stamford stadium.