Following a disappointing draw against Hull City at Stamford Bridge last weekend, Chelsea are back in action tomorrow as they visit the Gtech Community Stadium to take on Brentford at 20:00 local time in their matchday five fixture.
Xabi Alonso’s men have not been very solid defensively but will look to pick up all three points before heading away on international break. The manager could welcome the short hiatus to continue tweaking his tactics too.
Here is a look at the potential starting eleven the Blues are likely to employ against the Bees.
Goalkeeper – Emiliano Martinez has conceded seven goals in his last three games for Chelsea but is expected to retain his place in between the sticks.
Defenders – After employing a four-man backline versus Hull City last time, the Blues may revert to a back three – a setup that has been more familiar under Xabi Alonso. While Levi Colwill and Wesley Fofana are both expected to retain their spots in the team, £51 million summer signing Maxence Lacroix could return in the heart of the backline too.
Pedro misses out, Neto starts
Midfielders – Xabi Alonso has utilised a four-man midfield with wing backs and a double pivot in majority of Chelsea’s matches and could stick to the formula this time around. Malo Gusto and Jorrel Hato might get the nod on the right and left wing back positions, respectively, while Reece James could form the double pivot alongside Romeo Lavia with Moises Caicedo out injured.
Forwards – Cole Palmer is expected to retain his place on the right flank for the visitors, while Pedro Neto might be employed on the left wing. The big news is that Joao Pedro could miss the game having withdrawn from Brazil’s squad for the international break due to injury, so Morgan Rogers may be entrusted as the number nine.
Here is a look at Chelsea’s possible starting eleven on paper.
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