Preview: Chelsea vs Brentford

Chelsea aim to maintain title momentum as Brentford look to end Stamford Bridge dominance

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Sunday’s Premier League clash between Chelsea and Brentford promises to be an exciting showdown with high stakes for both sides. While Chelsea are chasing the top of the table, Brentford will look to maintain their incredible record at Stamford Bridge, having won all three Premier League visits to Chelsea by a combined score of 8-1.

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Form guide: Chelsea's resurgence continues

Enzo Maresca's men have turned their season around with a sensational run of form, winning their last four league matches. They’ve scored 3+ goals in each of their last three games, a feat the Blues haven’t achieved in 70 years. Key to their success has been the emergence of Cole Palmer, who leads the league in 2024 with 38 goal involvements (25 goals, 13 assists).

Premier League, Chelsea — Premier League: Cole Palmer

Last weekend’s dramatic 4-2 comeback win against Tottenham highlighted Chelsea’s resilience, as they overturned a 0-2 deficit with Palmer and Nicolas Jackson starring. A win against Brentford would put Chelsea just two points behind leaders Liverpool (albeit with a game in hand).

Brentford: A tale of two sides

Brentford’s season has been marked by stark contrasts. The Bees boast the best home record in the league, with 22 points from a possible 24 at the Gtech Community Stadium. However, their away form has been dismal, with just one point from seven matches, equaling Southampton’s struggles on the road.

Premier League, Brentford - Leicester — Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford

Thomas Frank’s men come into this game on the back of a hard-fought 4-2 win over Newcastle, where Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa delivered standout performances. However, Brentford’s away struggles, particularly against London rivals, continue to loom large; they’ve lost six consecutive away derbies since beating Chelsea in October 2023.

Team news: Key players in and out

Chelsea:

In: Senior stars return after being rested for the UEFA Conference League win over Astana.
Doubts: Romeo Lavia remains a doubt after being withdrawn last weekend with hamstring pain.
Out: Reece James and Wesley Fofana remain sidelined due to long-term injuries.

Brentford:

In: Vitaly Janelt is available after missing last week’s Newcastle clash. Kristoffer Ajer is also fit to start after two months out.
Out: Mathias Jensen, Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, Gustavo Nunes, and Josh Dasilva remain unavailable.

Key stats to watch:

Head-to-head: Brentford have won all three of their Premier League visits to Stamford Bridge. They could become the first team to win four straight away games at Chelsea since Leeds from 1973 to 1991.
Chelsea dominance: The Blues have lost just one of their last 12 London derbies in the Premier League, winning eight and drawing three.
Brentford's goal glut: Brentford have scored and conceded 30+ goals already this season. Should they concede twice on Sunday, they would match Leeds’ 2020-21 record of 30+ goals scored and conceded in the first 16 games.
Cole Palmer on fire: The Chelsea midfielder can become the first player since Mohamed Salah in 2018 to reach 40 Premier League goal involvements in a calendar year.

Betting insight:

This game promises goals, given both teams' attacking form. Brentford’s matches have seen over 2.5 goals in eight of their last nine league fixtures, while Chelsea have netted three or more in each of their last three games.

Recommended bet: BTTS (both teams to score) at 1.54 (Betsson – 5 units).

Prediction:

Despite Brentford’s incredible record at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea’s current form and Brentford’s away struggles tilt the scales in the Blues' favor. Expect a high-scoring affair.