Opposition View: What Chelsea Can Expect From Brentford In Premier League Clash | OneFootball

Chelsea will hope to get back to winning ways after dropping two points in a disappointing 2-2 draw with Hull City last weekend.

Brentford are expected to be a tough challenge, of course, given they have not tasted a league defeat so far and are only one point behind sixth-placed Chelsea.

Additionally, depending on Xabi Alonso’s late assessment, Chelsea may also be without several key players, including Reece James and Joao Pedro, for the derby against Brentford.

Joao Pedro, in particular, was directly involved in six of Chelsea’s 10 league goals, and describing his potential absence as a big blow would be an understatement.

Chelsea have undeniably relied heavily on their attack to compensate for their poor defensive record, having conceded 10 goals in four matches. The bad news is only five teams have conceded fewer goals than Brentford (four) so far.

On the bright side, Chelsea still have Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer, who have hit the ground running this season and can provide the firepower needed up front.

What can Chelsea expect from Brentford?

Absolute Chelsea spoke to BrentfordRoundtable to get the opposition's perspective.

“Brentford, unlike in previous seasons, are much more of a settled outfit this campaign. For the first time since promotion to the Premier League, this summer was the first summer transfer window with no major departures, which has proven to be key for Keith Andrews, as he has clearly identified the core of the squad.

“Despite that, injuries remain unavoidable. From the squad that dismantled Spurs on the opening evening of the season, Mathias Jensen and Nathan Collins have both picked up injuries, missing two recent league games against Sunderland and Bournemouth.

“An impressively fast start with scintillating football has certainly slowed due to a combination of a string of tricky games in addition to injury concerns. Yes, it was unlikely that such silky football was going to be ever-present, but there’s no denying that there has been a slight drop-off in performance since the opening games of the season.

“Chelsea may therefore see this as a good time to play Brentford. However, I don’t believe for one second that a game under the lights in an away local derby will be easy.

“Recent performances have proven difficult on the eye for Brentford fans at times, but key players in all areas of the pitch have continued to show good form.

“Kelleher has looked stronger than ever between the sticks this season, with a sound partnership of Schuster and Ajer sitting in front.

“Although Sangaré was hooked at half-time against Sunderland, it does not take away from the fact that he is the ideal defensive midfielder for a side that play the way Brentford do. A box-crashing tough tackler is just the player needed to settle defensive nerves against an impressive Chelsea attack, as well as providing the attacking effort to really get at a defence that seemingly has struggled this season. I think he will be pivotal for the Bees on Friday night.

“Schade has found some outstanding form of late, bagging a brace in a tough 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last weekend to add to his wonderfully executed finish at Elland Road in August. In what promises to be an energetic affair, as always against Chelsea, Schade looks to be a key outlet to provide that spark in a game that is bound to have open spaces for his pace to be utilised.

“Brentford are a team that many have backed to have a breakthrough season, and I firmly believe that the club will make a strong charge for European qualification this campaign. Performance levels have dipped, but important points are being won and the unbeaten record this season remains intact.

“Friday’s game promises to be a special atmosphere and a gripping game. Never rule out a Chelsea side who look great going forwards, but Brentford will play with high intensity and look to exploit weaknesses that seem to be apparent in the Chelsea defence.

“This one really could go either way.”