Chelsea at Brentford predicted XI: Thomas Tuchel starts strong XI

Chelsea's English defender Ben Chilwell (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge in London on October 2, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Chelsea’s English defender Ben Chilwell (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s third goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge in London on October 2, 2021. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

Cesar Azpilicueta (No. 28) Right centerback, Spain

Captain, leader and mister reliable. Cesar Azpilicueta has played in all seven Premier League matches delivering two assists and two clean sheets. The Spaniard has won 43 one-on-one duels and won 14 aerial duels. He also averages 55 passes per match. The two-time Premier League champion is still at the very top of his game. Reece James is an injury doubt for this weekend, however, he has been pictured in training this week at Cobham, so everyone’s eyes will be on Tuchel for injury updates. Nevertheless, the Spaniard can step in wherever required.

N’Golo Kante (No. 7) Central midfielder, France

Recently nominated for the Ballon d’Or and rightfully so, N’Golo Kante can do no wrong at the moment. Having missed the last couple of matches due to injury, he will be a welcomed return to Tuchel’s team. In the four appearances he’s made, the Frenchman scored one goal, but he is most known for his defensive contribution to the team. Kante is expected to slot right back into the team having not been on international duty.

Jorginho (No. 5) Central midfielder, Italy

The Italian maestro in midfield, Jorginho, was also nominated for the Ballon d’Or this year. He has featured in all seven league matches for Chelsea. He, along with Kante, has been key for Chelsea in dominating the midfield in most matches. Jorginho’s all-around game is important for the Blues. His long range passing and calmness in midfield really help the whole team play composed football. The Italian will be key to unlocking a stubborn Brentford defence.

Ben Chilwell (No. 21), Left wingback, England

The England international has risen from the dark and looks like the £50 million player that the Blues bought last summer. A first start of the season against Southampton and with that, a goal to mark the occasion. Ben Chilwell got called up to the England squad for the most recent round of international action, which saw him score, as well, in a 5-0 win over Andorra. He has certainly rediscovered his form and will be looking forward to facing Brentford this weekend.

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