Chelsea Starting XI vs Brentford: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Chelsea Weigh Options Ahead of Brentford Premier League Clash

Chelsea enter the weekend facing Brentford with optimism tempered by a lengthy injury list. Manager Enzo Maresca has made clear that the fitness of several key players will only be confirmed in the hours leading up to the Premier League fixture at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Injury Concerns Shape Chelsea Plans

The main question surrounds Cole Palmer, who has been carrying a groin problem since the beginning of the season. He was absent in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over Fulham and has been gradually reintroduced into training. Maresca explained, “His first training session was on Thursday but he did not take part in the whole thing,” adding that his availability depends on how he comes through Friday’s session.

Levi Colwill remains a long-term absentee after a torn anterior cruciate ligament, while Liam Delap will spend 10 to 12 weeks on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury sustained against Fulham. Romeo Lavia, recovering from a muscle issue, and Benoit Badiashile are both edging closer to returns, although neither is expected to start at Brentford.

Dario Essugo’s thigh injury while on duty with Portugal’s Under-21s required surgery, ruling him out for an extended period. Mykhailo Mudryk is also unavailable, leaving Maresca short of options in attacking areas.

International Duty Complications

Moises Caicedo, Joao Pedro, Andrey Santos and Estevao all returned late from South American World Cup qualifiers played at high altitude. Their involvement hinges on how well they recover from the travel demands, though the evening kick-off at 8pm provides a small advantage.

Reece James is another name Maresca will weigh carefully. After playing in both of England’s qualifiers against Andorra and Serbia, his workload remains a point of concern. The Chelsea boss may choose to manage his minutes rather than risk further complications.

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Predicted Lineup and Tactical Decisions

Given the number of absentees, Maresca has decisions to make in both midfield and attack. Should Joao Pedro be rested following international duty, Marc Guiu could lead the line after being recalled early from his loan at Sunderland.

Chelsea are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 system with Robert Sanchez in goal, Malo Gusto, Tosin Adarabioyo, Trevoh Chalobah and Marc Cucurella forming the back four. Caicedo and Santos are likely to anchor the midfield, supported by Estevao, Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto behind Joao Pedro.

Key Battle at Brentford

Brentford have been competitive at home and will look to capitalise on Chelsea’s fitness concerns. Maresca’s side, however, have shown resilience, recording a 5-1 win over West Ham and a controlled performance against Fulham in recent weeks. A victory at Brentford would strengthen Chelsea’s position in the Premier League table while also boosting confidence in a squad stretched by injuries.

Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez, Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Santos, Estevao, Fernandez, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro

Doubts: Palmer, Joao Pedro, Estevao, Fernandez, SantosInjured: Colwill, Delap, Lavia, Essugo, BadiashileUnavailable: Mudryk

Time and date: 8pm BST, Saturday 13 September 2025Venue: Gtech Community StadiumTV channel: Sky Sports