What a long, strange trip it’s been over the last two weeks. This international break has been like no other in the history of Chelsea with the club’s sale taking center stage throughout the season’s intermission. A period that was supposed to be dominated by World Cup Qualifying and national team performances instead saw talks of a takeover steal headlines day in and day out. The Raine Group has narrowed the shortlist to purchase the club down to four and it’s undoubtedly an interesting list. Football will once again take a backseat to protest on Saturday as the home fans voice their feelings of disgust toward the Ricketts family, one of those that made it through to the next round of negotiations.
Despite all of this, we’re more interested in what Thomas Tuchel’s men have to say on the pitch. The Blues are riding a high right now after a string of positive results in all competitions, especially the Premier League. They sit third rather comfortably and three points against this weekend’s visitor, Brentford, will only see them inch closer to securing a top four place officially. Callum Hudson-Odoi and Christian Pulisic will unfortunately miss out for different reasons, but other than the attacking duo (and Ben Chilwell, obviously), Tuchel has a fully healthy squad at his disposal. Thomas Frank’s visiting Bees find themselves in the midst of a battle of their own, a relegation scrap. Although they hold a sizable advantage, it’s just another added layer of motivation on top of the highly anticipated, historic West London Derby.
Here is how The Pride of London team sees the contest playing out:
Caden Charpentier: 3-1 Chelsea
After a nine-match winless streak in all competitions, Brentford has won two out of its last three in the Premier League. Chelsea has a massive match in the Champions League midweek, so Tuchel could try a different line-up in order to rest his first team. Reece James is back, which is huge, and he must be conscious of Ivan Toney, who can finish with the best of them. Despite the Bees’ threats up top other than Toney, the Blues’ defense has allowed the second-fewest goals in the Premier League this season. It’s not going to be easy, but the hosts take all three points.
Olaoluwa Nwobodo: 3-0 Chelsea
The Brentford team that Chelsea played earlier in the season is not the same Bees team travelling to Stamford Bridge on Saturday. That Brentford was one of the best defenses in the league. The Blues and Bees have gone in different directions since that clash. Chelsea has the upper hand in personnel and manager, this shouldn’t be difficult, unless the Blues make it so.
Olly Smith: 2-1 Chelsea
This fixture has often been an exhausting thorn in the side and this game will be no different. The international break and the rumours swirling around Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger won’t make things easier. Buoyed by his penalty save to take Senegal to the World Cup, Edouard Mendy will once again be the difference maker. Kai Havertz to maintain his rich goal-scoring form with a goal.
Joseph Joe: 2-1 Chelsea
Going by Chelsea’s current form, opposed to Brentford’s, this should be a walkover. But we know mid-table teams always causing a sting for the Blues. Therefore, I expect Brentford to at least score one goal in SW6.
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Kevin Peacock: 2-0 Chelsea
With all the noise around the club concerning the impending change of ownership, it will be good to get back to the humdrum of an actual matchday. It seems so long since we’ve seen Tuchel’s boys play. For those that have forgotten, we’re on a run of six straight wins with the FA Cup victory at Middlesbrough being the last. The good news from Tuchel’s pre-match presser was the news that James is back fit and well. Whatever the outcome of the owner shenanigans, it hasn’t affected the team’s performances on the pitch, thankfully. Chelsea will have too much for Brentford with a goal in each half, further cementing a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Gabe Henderson: 2-0 Chelsea
I hate to go with the standard 2-0 scoreline, but I have to trust my gut in this one. Eriksen is a game-changer for Brentford. Luckily, he’s one of the Bees’ only players to have gone out on international duty and seen the pitch over the last few weeks, so he’ll be feeling the effects of a busy travel period. The Blues are in great form, and even though a break could impact them, I still think they have enough quality at home to get the job done.
Mike Malley: 2-0 Chelsea
The Bees gave the Blues a difficult test in the previous meeting between these two sides, so I wouldn’t expect anything different this time out. Chelsea was playing well heading into the international break and it will hopefully continue that strong run of form. Tuchel’s biggest decision will be who to start as the No. 9, but I would expect to see both Romelu Lukaku and Havertz at some point during Saturday’s match. Maybe they’ll both be on the scoresheet.
Anthony Gatt: 3-0 Chelsea
James is back again . . . goal and assist incoming. The Blues win 3-0 ahead of their UCL first leg clash with Real Madrid midweek.
What is your score prediction for the West London Derby? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!