Brentford vs Chelsea: Preview, predictions and lineups | OneFootball

Chelsea continue their push to finish in the top four when they visit west London rivals Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Blues head into the weekend affair having bolstered their bid for Champions League qualification on Thursday night. Facing another capital rival, they were narrow 1-0 victors against Tottenham Hotspur in a VAR-fuelled derby. They currently sit fourth in the standings and can't afford to loosen their grip ahead of some challenging fixtures at the end of the campaign.

Brentford still harbour slim hopes of earning European football this season, with Europa League and Conference League qualification just within view. However, the Bees will have to be more or less perfect between now and the campaign's conclusion and hope their competitors slip-up elsewhere. Beating Chelsea would certainly raise morale.

Here is 90min's guide to a west London showcase.

Brentford vs Chelsea head-to-head record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

How to watch Brentford vs Chelsea on TV - UK and US

Brentford team news

Mathias Jensen should be available on Sunday / Vince Mignott/MB Media/GettyImages

Thomas Frank was full of positive injury news during his pre-match press conference, even claiming there is a "good chance" that Rico Henry returns to the matchday squad. The left-back has played just three minutes in the league this season due to injuries but recently turned out for Brentford's B team and is closing in on a return.

Aaron Hickey and Gustavo Nunes were also in action for Brentford B after long injury layoffs but Sunday's match will likely come too soon for their involvement.

Elsewhere, Frank revealed Mathias Jensen is "fine" and "could be available" against Chelsea having yet to feature since the defeat to Aston Villa in early March. The Brentford boss also confirmed Mikkel Damsgaard's availability after recent illness issues.

Fabio Carvalho remains out for the campaign, while Igor Thiago and Joshua Dasilva are still recovering from knee injuries.

Brentford predicted vs Chelsea

Brentford predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Flekken; Ajer, Collins, Pinnock, Lewis-Potter; Norgaard, Janelt; Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Schade; Wissa.

Chelsea team news

Wesley Fofana is injured again / Neal Simpson/Allstar/GettyImages

Wesley Fofana has re-entered the treatment room after suffering a muscle injury which kept him sidelined for the Tottenham game. Much like Romeo Lavia, who is also absent with a muscle issue, he won't feature against Brentford.

Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke all returned from fitness problems midweek and the latter should be promoted to the starting lineup after another underwhelming display from Jadon Sancho on Thursday night.

Reece James' minutes have been managed carefully since his injury comeback but the club captain could start on Sunday having only been used from the bench against Spurs. Whether he will feature in right-back or defensive midfield remains to be seen.

Marc Guiu, Omari Kellyman and Mykhailo Mudryk all remain unavailable.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Brentford (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.

Chelsea have proven unpredictable since their downturn in form around the turn of the year and Brentford are the kind of team that can take advantage of any uncertainty. The Blues, who also have a Conference League quarter-final first leg with Legia Warsaw to worry about on Thursday, have struggled on their travels this season, winning just six of 15 Premier League away days.

Brentford's away form has been far superior to their home form in recent months but the Bees should be raring to go for derby day. They caused Chelsea all manner of issues in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge and have difference-makers in the forward line who could rise to the occasion.