Defender returns as Enzo Maresca makes two changes for Brentford clash | OneFootball

Chelsea will be looking to extend their winning streak to seven games across all competitions when they host Brentford on Sunday.

The Bees make the short trip to Stamford Bridge on the back of a morale-boosting 4-2 win against Newcastle United and will undoubtedly cause plenty of problems for Chelsea.

However, the Blues received extra motivation to go for the jugular after watching rivals Liverpool and Arsenal drop points against Fulham and Everton yesterday.

Manager Enzo Maresca has repeatedly played down talks of a title challenge, but his Chelsea side will go within two points of Liverpool if they beat Brentford on home turf.

However, Chelsea must be at their best as they have lost the last three consecutive home games against Brentford by a combined scoreline of 8-1.

How Chelsea could line up vs Brentford

Maresca made wholesale changes to the side that beat Astana 3-1 in the Europa Conference League in midweek, keeping his heavy hitters fresh for this weekend’s blockbuster.

He should repeat the trick this weekend but could make just two changes from the side that beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 last weekend.

Robert Sanchez should reclaim his spot between the sticks while Malo Gusto returns to the starting XI to partner Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella in the rearguard.

Gusto’s return will allow Moises Caicedo to move into his preferred midfield role, where he should partner the in-form Enzo Fernandez, with Romeo Lavia dropping to the bench.

Jadon Sancho seems to have hit his stride and is set to be rewarded for his fine recent form on the left flank. Cole Palmer is in pole position to assume playmaking responsibilities behind Nicolas Jackson.

Noni Madueke is also poised to return to the starting XI, with Pedro Neto suspended after accumulating five yellow cards.

Chelsea predicted XI:

(4-2-3-1): Sanchez, Gusto, Badiashile, Colwill, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.