Chelsea – Brentford : Preview & Prediction
After a disastrous start to the season, Chelsea are showing signs of improvement under Mauricio Pochettino, evidenced by their strong performance against Arsenal. While the Blues let a two-goal lead slip in that 2-2 draw in the London derby, prompting Pochettino to admit he was “disappointed,” he also spoke of his pride as his charges extended their unbeaten run to four games in all competitions (G3, E1).
A trend that continued in the draw against Arsenal is Chelsea starting well in matches, being one of only three teams yet to go into halftime trailing in a Premier League (PL) game this season. While that has been a consistent strong suit in Chelsea’s play, they have improved drastically in attack this month as, after scoring just once in September, the Blues record eight goals in three games in October.
Brentford also boast that distinction in the first half, a record accompanied by being the only club in the division yet to concede goals before the break when away. Sustaining results has not always been straightforward for the Bees, but they experienced a win at the right time last weekend as they recorded just their second win of the PL season with a 3-0 thrashing of Burnley.
That win ended a six-game winless streak in league play for Thomas Frank’s side (E3, P3), who have suffered the loss and suspensions of key players so far this season. A relatively short trip across the capital to Stamford Bridge could give Brentford players confidence given that Chelsea have won just once in 12 PL appearances there (E6, P5), while the Bees have claimed victory in both meetings between them at this venue since their promotion to the top flight.
Players to watch: London derbies seem to suit Chelsea winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who has scored both of his goals for the Blues against capital rivals (Fulham and Arsenal). Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has been key in his team’s two away wins over Chelsea, contributing directly to three goals in those games (one goal, two assists), and also found the back of the net against Burnley last weekend.
Key stat: Only two of the last ten meetings between the two clubs have seen the two clubs score.
Chelsea – Brentford : Betting Tips
Chelsea – Win Odds: 1.55
