Predicted XI: Xabi Alonso makes multiple changes to Chelsea team after bad results | OneFootball

Predicted XI: Xabi Alonso makes multiple changes to Chelsea team after bad results | OneFootball

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·18 September 2026

Predicted XI: Xabi Alonso makes multiple changes to Chelsea team after bad results

Article image:Predicted XI: Xabi Alonso makes multiple changes to Chelsea team after bad results

This is the team we suspect Xabi Alonso is going to go with for tonight’s game against Brentford, given the team news.

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Chelsea take on Brentford tonight in a juicy Friday night Premier League kick off. But who will the Blues be using in the game? We’ve got a good idea of Xabi Alonso’s preferred setup at this point, but two bad results in a row might prompt some changes.

Here’s who we think the manager picks for tonight’s game.

New faces join Chelsea starting league team

Article image:Predicted XI: Xabi Alonso makes multiple changes to Chelsea team after bad results

Danny Welbeck (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

In goal Emi Martinez will keep his place despite some worrying performances to start his Chelsea career.

In the back line, we will probably see the most experienced trio of Maxence Lacroix, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill picked, although Josh Acheampong must surely be just one good away from starting.

At left wing back Jorrel Hato was hauled off at half time against Hull, and we suspect Pep Chavarria replaces him from the start this week. On the right, Pedro Neto surely keeps his place.

The midfield there aren’t enough options to mix it up – it has to be Reece James and Romeo Lavia.

In the front line, Joao Pedro’s injury forces Alonso’s hand, and Danny Welbeck will come in. He’s supported by Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer.

It’s going to be a battle, and frankly we don’t love our chances. But we’re looking forward to it.

In other news…

Chelsea’s midfield still looks a little thin – it’s no surprise to see links to Adam Wharton back this week.

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