The State of Play
Thomas Frank’s Brentford come into this on the back of a 4-2 defeat away to West Ham United in a London derby last week. The Bees’ have enjoyed some improved performances in the last month and a half or so but that loss means they have now managed just one win with five defeats in their last six matches as they hover just above the bottom three and the relegation places.
Under the management of Mauricio Pochettino, Chelsea suffered a major blow last weekend as they were beaten 1-0 after extra-time by an inexperienced and injury ravaged Liverpool side in the EFL Cup final. A few days later, though, they recovered to come from behind and defeat Championship side Leeds United by three goals to two with a late Conor Gallagher winner in the fifth round of the FA Cup.
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Team News
Thomas Frank and Brentford have welcomed back several key men in the last month and a half or so but they remain without the likes of Aaron Hickey, Rico Henry, Ethan Pinnock and Josh Dasilva, as well as Bryan Mbeumo. Ben Mee is also a doubt for this one.
Chelsea are without key defenders still such as Wesley Fofana and Reece James. Christopher Nkunku is also, once again, sidelined through injury. Benoit Badiashile, Romeo Lavia, Carney Chukwuemeka and Lesley Ugochukwu are all also definite absentees.
Expected Line-ups
Brentford: Flekken; Ajer, Jorgensen, Mee; Roerslev, Jensen, Norgaard, Janelt, Reguilon; Toney, Maupay
Chelsea: Petrovic; Gusto, Silva, Colwill, Chilwell; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Gallagher, Sterling; Palmer
What they Said
Thomas Frank had been praising his side recently but then suggested he was ‘unbelievably irritated’ by his players after their 4-2 loss to West Ham last week.
Mauricio Pochettino said ‘Gary, my friend, what have you done?!’ in relation to Gary Neville’s ‘billion pound bottle jobs’ comment at the EFL Cup final as he bit back at the former Manchester United and England defender.
When and How to Watch
This match will be played at the Gtech Community Stadium at 15:00 on Saturday March 2nd. It will not be televised live in the UK and can therefore not be streamed live in the UK, legally, either.
Prediction
This west London derby features two sides significantly underperforming their general expectations. Brentford finished in the top-half last season but are now in a fight against the drop. Chelsea make the short trip in desperate need of finding some form in the league as they aim for a spot in the top seven. Backing Brentford, especially with their home advantage, looks the way to go for this one.
