Chelsea host Brentford in a replay of the exciting 2-2 draw between both clubs in just four months.

When both sides met four months ago, Chelsea were supposed title contenders while Brentford were dubbed to struggle in the Premier League after selling both Mbuemo and Wissa. The game ended in a 2-2 draw, and since then, both clubs have seen their fortunes changed

Right now, Brentford sit in fifth place, just two points above Chelsea, who are eighth in the League. The Bees are in form right now. 

Only league leaders Arsenal (16) have accumulated more PL points in the last six games than Brentford (14), who scored 13 goals across four wins over Wolves, Bournemouth, Everton, and Sunderland during this period. They also beat Sheffield Wednesday 2-0 in the FA Cup third round last weekend to extend their winning away run to three games in all competitions.

Chelsea, on the other hand are adjusting to managerial changes. Rosenior’s first game in charge saw him win 5-1 at Charlton, but on Thursday, he tasted defeat for the first time as a Chelsea manager as the Blues suffered a 3-2 loss to Arsenal in the EFL Cup semi-final first leg.

The Blues don’t have momentum on their side as they have slipped down the table, winning only one of their last nine Premier League matches. Rosenoir will be hoping to turn things around in this tie.

Team News

Cole Palmer (thigh) and Reece James (hip) are set to return to training after missing the midweek defeat to Arsenal, and a late call will be made on their availability. Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens remain apart from the squad and are unlikely to be involved this weekend due to illness.

Moises Caicedo is available to return from suspension and is set to start at the base of Chelsea’s midfield, while Alejandro Garnacho will be pushing to start on the left flank after scoring a second-half brace as a substitute against Arsenal.

As for Brentford, Josh Dasilva, Fabio Carvalho, and Antoni Milambo all remain sidelined with long-term knee injuries, while Jordan Henderson will have an ankle problem assessed ahead of kickoff. Dango Outtarra is also back from AFCON and will be in contention for a starting XI, boosting Brentford’s attack, which has in-form Thiago with 16 PL goals to his name this season.

Chelsea vs Bournemouth Predicted XI

Chelsea Predicted XI

Sánchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro

Brentford Predicted XI

Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Collins, Henry; Yarmolyuk, Janelt; Ouattara, Jensen, Schade; Thiago