“Chelsea faces Brentford in a keenly anticipated west London derby in their first league match since securing a commendable draw at the Etihad, in what is set to be a pivotal ‘Brentford vs Chelsea’ encounter.”
As Chelsea prepares for this clash, club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton provide a comprehensive pre-match analysis. This game marks Chelsea’s first Saturday 3 p.m. kickoff since mid-December, and their record in this season’s previous four similar fixtures stands at two wins and two losses.
Brentford, positioned 16th, has not had a match since their 4-2 defeat at West Ham on Monday, giving Thomas Frank a whole week to rejuvenate and strategize with his team.
However, the Bees’ recent form has been worrying, with five defeats in their last seven league games since the new year, including four losses in their previous five home matches at the Gtech Stadium.
Under Mauricio Pochettino’s guidance, Chelsea came off a thrilling 3-2 victory against traditional rival Leeds in the FA Cup, with a quarter-final match against Leicester on the horizon. This recent success may inject momentum into the team as they resume their league campaign.
Team News
For the upcoming Brentford vs Chelsea match, Pochettino might reintroduce several key players who were rested for most of the recent FA Cup triumph. Notables such as Djordje Petrovic, Ben Chilwell, Levi Colwill, Conor Gallagher, and Cole Palmer are contenders for starting positions against Brentford.
Cole Palmer, recently honored as Men’s Player of the Year at the London Football Awards, has significantly contributed to the team’s performance, being involved in 16 goals in his last 17 Premier League appearances (10 goals, six assists) and scoring six in five London derbies.
Meanwhile, Conor Gallagher’s last-minute goal against Leeds, assisted by Enzo Fernandez, marked his tenth goal involvement of the season.
Nicolas Jackson, benefitting from Moises Caicedo’s second assist, has hit double figures in goals during his debut season following a notable performance against Leeds. His continued strong form may lead Mauricio Pochettino to start him in the upcoming match against Brentford’s weakened defense.
Chelsea had the upper hand in possession in the previous encounter at Stamford Bridge, generating 10 corner kicks and numerous scoring opportunities. However, the team was let down by subpar finishing and individual errors in defense.
Bryan Mbeumo, who will miss this weekend’s game due to injury, was instrumental in that match, having assisted and scored in the 2-0 victory over Chelsea.
Brentford
Brentford’s recent performance has been underwhelming, as evidenced by their lackluster start and defensive issues in the 4-2 defeat at West Ham. The team needed help to deliver effective final passes in promising attacking scenarios.
The absence of Bryan Mbeumo, a key player for Brentford since early December, adds to Thomas Frank’s challenges, as he has been forced to navigate this season without seven long-term players.
Mbeumo has been a significant figure for Brentford, especially in the absence of Ivan Toney due to suspension, contributing significantly to the team’s goal tally.
The upcoming Brentford vs Chelsea match could pose additional challenges for the Bees without their leading goal influencer.
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The injury to captain Ben Mee during Monday’s match has exacerbated Brentford’s defensive woes, with Aaron Hickey and Ethan Pinnock already sidelined. This situation might lead to Nathan Collins, the Irish center-half, being recalled to the lineup.
Brentford’s goalkeeper, Mark Flekken, is known for his distribution skills. Yet, he has been critiqued for not commanding his area well, reflected in his save ratio being the third-lowest in the league at 64.3 percent for saves per shot on target.
The midfield lineup for the hosts boasts dynamic elements such as Frank Onyeka’s powerful runs, Mathias Jensen’s long throw-ins, and the recent addition of Sergio Reguilon from Spurs, known for his precise set-pieces since joining in January.
Brentford’s tactical approach involves playing many long passes, primarily targeting Ivan Toney, who scored four times in the seven matches following his return. They also leverage the more combative style of Neal Maupay, whose goal on Monday was to unsettle West Ham temporarily.
However, defensive frailties have been a significant issue for Brentford, as only Sheffield United and Burnley have conceded more home league goals than Brentford this season, with the Bees letting in 27 goals at home. This statistic presents a concerning backdrop for Brentford as they prepare to host Chelsea FC.
Reference
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/03/brentford-vs-chelsea-history-team-news/