Ahead of Sunday’s west London derby, we have the Chelsea vs Brentford preview, prediction, latest team news and predicted lineups.
Chelsea Vs Brentford Preview
After climbing up to 2nd in the Premier League table last weekend, Chelsea will be aiming to continue their fine run on gameweek 16.
The Blues have come on leaps and bounds in recent months under the stewardship of Enzo Maresca. Last time out, the Italian boss saw his side fight back from 2-0 down to beat rivals Tottenham 4-3.
Goals on the road haven’t been an issue for the west Londoners in 2024/25. However, hitting the target on home soil has proven quite problematic.
Maresca has witnessed just 12 goals at Stamford Bridge with three of those coming against Aston Villa on gameweek 14. Furthermore, the Blues have only won three times in seven home outings in England’s elite.
Sunday provides the perfect opportunity to increase both tallies as Maresca aims to secure his fifth consecutive top-flight victory.
We welcome Brentford to Stamford Bridge next. ✊ pic.twitter.com/3e5G6xLsDK
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 14, 2024
Brentford have been this season’s Jekyll and Hyde. No club in the Premier League has more goals or a better home record than the Bees.
However, their lack of sting away from the nest is becoming a slight cause for concern. Manager Thomas Frank has accumulated just one point on the road this season.
That stalemate came against Everton on November 23 when the west Londoners earned a credible 0-0 draw after Christian Norgaard was dismissed in the first-half.
Interestingly, Frank’s side has played the likes of Aston Villa, Liverpool, Man City, Man Utd and Tottenham away from home so perhaps some slack should be cut.
Against rivals Chelsea, the Red and Whites certainly hold the bragging rights in recent meetings. The last three head-to-heads at Stamford Bridge have gone in favour of the visitors by an aggregate score of 8-1.
Prior to Sunday’s clash, the best football betting sites in the UK make Chelsea the 4/11 match favourites. Brentford are 8/1 with the draw 5/1.
Chelsea Vs Brentford Team News
After cruising to a 3-1 win against Astana on Thursday with a heavily-rotated starting XI, Chelsea‘s big hitters will all return on gameweek 16.
The likes of Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, Levi Colwill and Enzo Fernandez will all get the nod at Stamford Bridge.
However, club-captain Reece James and Wesley Fofana are ruled out with injury. Mykhaylo Mudryk could feature after recovering from illness.
Meanwhile, Brentford are expected to be without Mathias Jensen owing to a hamstring problem. The same applies for Gustavo Nunes who is struggling with a back injury.
There was better news regarding Kristoffer Ajer and Vitaly Janelt who are both tipped to be included in the matchday squad.
Summer signing Igor Thiago is set for his second Premier League start. The Brazilian will play in a three behind Yoane Wissa.
Ethan and Bryan on target at the Bridge last time round 🙌#CHEBRE 🔜 pic.twitter.com/yGs3YYyiYY
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) December 14, 2024
Chelsea Vs Brentford Predicted Lineups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Brentford (4-2-3-1): Flekken; Roerslev, Collins, Pinnock, Van den Berg; Norgaard, Janelt; Mbeumo, Thiago, Carvalho; Wissa
Chelsea Vs Brentford Prediction
The unusual Chelsea vs Brentford kick-off time of 7pm shouldn’t have any bearings on the outcome of Sunday’s west London derby.
Enzo Mareca’s side are mounting an unlikely title push whereas Brentford’s away form has been abysmal. With that in mind, it’s hard to see anything but a comfortable home win.
The Bees do have a formidable record at Stamford Bridge in recent seasons but it would be naive to see that run increase on gameweek 16.
Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
