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Chelsea take on Brentford on Saturday as they look to bounce back with a win after letting a 2-0 lead slip against Arsenal last time out. The Blues played well for the most part against Arsenal and Mauricio Pochettino will be keen for their heads to remain high despite the late collapse. Brentford have had a relatively poor start to the new Premier League season and will be hoping to get back on track with a positive result here.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Brentford
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Chelsea vs Brentford Premier League team news
Mauricio Pochettino is still dealing with several injury problems in his squad which means we are still no closer to knowing what the Argentinian considers his strongest starting eleven. Wesley Fofano, Carney Chukwuemeka and Christopher Nkuku are all still nursing long-term knew injuries while Ben Chilwell and Trevoh Chalobah remain unavailable with thigh problems.
Romeo Lavia is reportedly nearing a return from an ankle injury while Armando Broja could be available for the Blues’ EFL Cup match next week. In terms of injury returns for this one, captain Reece James is back in contention for a start after coming off the bench against Arsenal while Axel Disasi is also available for selection again.
At the top end of the pitch, Pochettino has a decision to make in relation to whether to bring Nicolas Jackson back into the team. Chelsea played without a recognised striker against Arsenal and played well which could tempt Pochettino to start with a Mudryk, Sterling and Palmer front three once again.
Chelsea predicted lineup
Sanchez – James, Disasi, Silva, Cucurella – Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher – Palmer, Sterling, Mudryk
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Brentford – Our top three
Cole Palmer – The man in form
Since signing for Chelsea for £42.5m in the summer, big things have been expected of Cole Palmer. The decision to leave Manchester City, where he had come through the ranks since a young boy, was a big one particularly as Pep Guardiola was a fan of the youngster. He has instantly become a key player at Stamford Bridge, though, and has already become the club’s designated penalty taker.
He has two Premier League goals to his name for Chelsea so far and will be keen to add to that against Brentford. Chelsea’s performance noticeably dipped when he was substituted against Arsenal last week and if he had stayed on the pitch, the result would have perhaps been different. Will Pochettino make the same mistake again in bringing him off too early? We don’t think so.
Mykhailo Mudryk – Growing in confidence
Mykhailo Mudryk was one of Todd Boehly’s first marquee signings after the American bought Chelsea last year but he has flattered to deceive thus far. However, in recent weeks, his form has been improving and Mauricio Pochettino seems to be getting more out of the Ukrainian than his predecessors. He has two league goals in eight appearances this term and will be looking forward to facing Brentford.
Thiago Silva – Mr Consistent
Despite being 39 years of age, Thiago Silva remains the first name on the team sheet for Chelsea. Remarkably, he is also the most dependable defender at the club in terms of availability which is incredible given how long he has been a professional footballer. Silva will have to deal with Brian Mbuemo and Yoane Wissa on Saturday and although their pace could worry him, his experience and positional sense should see him through.
Will Reece James play against Brentford?
Reece James has fully recovered from his latest injury setback and is set to be included in the matchday squad to face Brentford. In James’ absence, Malo Gusto has performed well at right back for the Blues but as the club captain, James is expected to come straight back into the starting lineup now he is fit again.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Brentford – The final word
Although their league position suggests Chelsea have been poor this season, they have actually been very unlucky in many of their games. We expect them to be dominant here against a struggling Brentford side, who will be deflated after their loss to Manchester United last time out. We are going for Chelsea 3-0 Brentford.
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