It’s been a testing week for Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea. Three days after losing the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, the Blues were outplayed by Leeds in the FA Cup.
Conor Gallagher’s late contribution off the bench was enough to spare their blushes and avoid a second 120 minute match within a matter of days.
Brentford always plays a high-energy game and will hope to capitalise on the visitor’s weary legs after enjoying a week off.
However, Thomas Frank’s side are struggling. The boost from Ivan Toney’s return was short-lived as the Bees have lost five of their last six.
It’s fair to say they’ve faced an extremely challenging fixture list in trying circumstances given their injury woes, but their poor form goes beyond recent weeks.
Frank’s side have won just three of 17 in all competitions, and two came against sides below them in the Premier League relegation battle.
One of the rare moments of joy in this campaign was a 2-0 win against Chelsea and there is some evidence to suggest the Blues are zagging back towards being a calamity.
It’s hard to trust either team and although Chelsea’s FA Cup win may provide some momentum, we’ll pass on picking a winner.
Goals have been flying in for both teams, and that feels like a safer market to tackle. Both teams have scored in nine of Chelsea’s last 10 and Brentford’s defensive depth is decimated.
There have been over 2.5 goals in 10 of the last 11 Premier League matches at the Gtech Community Stadium and in eight of 10 Chelsea away games.
Team news
Josh Dasilva, Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, Ethan Pinnock, Kevin Schade and Bryan Mbeumo are ruled out while Ben Mee is a doubt with an ankle injury.
Ivan Toney has scored four in seven since his return and will lead the line for the Bees.
Wesley Fofana, Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, Carney Chukwuemeka, Marc Cucurella, Lesley Ugochukwu and Christopher Nkunku are out.
Ruben Colwill, Ben Chilwell and Cole Palmer will be reinstated to the starting XI.
Key stats
– Brentford have lost five of their last six Premier League matches
– Brentford are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Chelsea
– There have been over 3.5 goals in five of six at the Gtech Community Stadium
– Chelsea are unbeaten in their last five matches
– Both teams have scored in nine of Chelsea’s last 10 Premier League matches
Suggested bets
Both teams to score
Over 3.5 goals
https://www.planetsport.com/soccer/tips/brentford-vs-chelsea-tips-and-predictions-bet-on-goals-in-west-london-clash
