Brentford vs Chelsea Preview: xG, defensive duels, predicted line-ups and much more | OneFootball

Brentford are set to play Chelsea at the Brentford Community Stadium on Saturday in the Premier League. Brentford come into this game on the back of a 2-1 win over West Ham United in their most recent fixture thanks to a last-minute winner from Yoane Wissa which ensured victory for Thomas Frank’s Brentford. Chelsea beat ten-man Southampton 3-1 in the league. Goals from Trevoh Chalobah, Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell sealed the deal for Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.

Brentford have started their campaign back in the Premier League impressively and have only lost one of their seven games. Many of their performances so far have been down to striker Ivan Toney, who has been key to Brentford’s successful results. The 25-year old has scored two goals and provided two assists in the league. As seen in the above visual, both Brentford strikers have a high expected goal contribution and will be their main men to target the Chelsea defence as they will be without some of their first-choice picks.

Brentford have conceded only six goals so far and have been very strong defensively. In games where they have not been able to score, they have held back their opponents and have not allowed them to score goals. They have a high success rate in winning defensive duels and have the third-highest number of successful defensive duels in the league.

With Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United and Everton all playing out draws in gameweek seven, Chelsea’s comfortable win over Southampton has seen them move to the top of the table with 16 points taken from a possible 21 so far this season. Chelsea have won three of their last five league games and have only conceded three league goals so far.

The above visual shows us the Chelsea shot map for their clash against Southampton. Chelsea bombarded the Saints goal with 19 shots on goal and had nine of their shots on target. They also hit the post twice and were able to create a lot of opportunities as their opponents spent a quarter of the game with 10 men on the field.

After an excellent start to the season, Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has faced a short goal drought and has not scored in his last five games for the club. However, the Blues have been handed an injury scare with Romelu Lukaku withdrawing from international duty due to a knock. The Belgian has scored four goals for Chelsea this season and is doubtful for Saturday’s kickoff. Werner could play as their striker should Lukaku not make the cut, while Kai Havertz and Mason Mount were both named on the bench against the Saints but should be fine to start on Saturday.

Brentford predicted starting lineup: Raya, Zanka, Jansson, Pinnock, Canos, Norgaard, Onyeka, Jensen, Henry, Toney, Mbeumo.

Chelsea predicted starting lineup: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Christensen, James, Jorginho, Kante, Chilwell, Mount, Havertz, Werner.

The potential loss of Lukaku will undoubtedly hurt Chelsea this weekend, and the leaders can take nothing for granted against a Brentford side fired up in front of their own fans.