Chelsea welcome West London rivals Brentford for the first ever Premier League game played between these two sides at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s hard-fought victory against the Bees in October typified their defensive tenacity and acumen, of course aided by an incredible performance from goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Both clubs experienced abject winter periods but are looking to finish the season strongly; Chelsea have won 12 from their last 13, whereas Saturday’s visitors recorded two wins in a row before last Sunday’s defeat away at Leicester.
These two sides also met in the Carabao Cup quarter final, with a Jensen own goal and a Jorginho penalty seeing the Blues through on the night.
The Visitors – Brentford
Thanks Frank’s side deservedly drew praise from pundits after a promising start to the season, but their form somewhat derailed and a difficult run of results saw them gravitate towards a relegation scrap.
The visitors should regardlessly be respected – particularly given the test they gave Tuchel’s side at the Brentford Community Stadium in October.
Christian Eriksen continued his fine form with two goals in the international break, and has appeared to develop a strong progressive connection with the dangerous Ivan Toney upfront. Frank will look to capitalise on any midfield rotation in the Chelsea ranks and find space between the lines for the Dane to exploit.
The Bees also have a fully fit squad to choose from, with Josh Dasilva returning from suspension.
Chelsea
The Blues’ continuous persistence of Kai Havertz upfront has invigorated and mobilised their attack, plus a welcome return to form for Christian Pulisic represents an uncharacteristic element of consistency to Tuchel’s attacking selection.
Four clean sheets in their last five league games also represents an upturn in defensive form – the Blues had failed to keep one in their previous five.
The hosts will be without Ben Chilwell and Callum Hudson-Odoi, but Reece James is in line to make his return from injury after limping off against Burnley.
However, with a seismic Champions League tie against Real Madrid on Wednesday looming, Tuchel may champion rotation to freshen his squad. Thiago Silva and Pulisic also had to make cross-continental journeys, with the American playing on Wednesday evening.
Expect players who did not travel abroad, namely the likes of Chalobah and Ziyech, to start on Saturday afternoon.
Predicted line up (3-4-3): Mendy; Chalobah, Christensen, Rudiger; James, Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Alonso; Ziyech, Havertz, Mount.
Score Prediction: 2-0
Chelsea will take their time in shaking off the rust from the international break, and Brentford will initially rise to the derby occasion. A late first half goal will however ease these tensions, with the Blues adding another in the second period to secure a comfortable victory.
