Chelsea face Brentford at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in manager Liam Rosenior’s first Premier League home game.
The Blues lost 2-1 at Fulham last time out, while Brentford recorded a convincing 3-0 victory over Sunderland.
Match preview
Chelsea claimed a 5-1 FA Cup victory at Charlton Athletic in his first game in charge. However, the Blues suffered a 3-2 home defeat in the League Cup semi-final in midweek.
Rosenior has used a 4-2-3-1 formation in his first games, and will adopt a similar approach here.
The Blues have won just two of their last 10 league games, but are just four points behind fourth-placed Liverpool. They have to quickly rediscover top form to salvage their top-four hopes.
Brentford are in better form, collecting 14 points from their last six games – the joint-second highest in the division within that time.
The Bees have also won their last two away fixtures, after losing their previous four on the road.
Head-to-head
Chelsea have a terrible home record against Brentford in the Premier League era, registering one win and three losses.
Team news
Rosenior hopes to have captain Reece James and forward Cole Palmer back for this game, but doubts remain over Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens.
Moises Caicedo is also available after missing the Arsenal clash due to suspension.
The Bees will be without Fabio Carvalho, Antoni Milambo and Josh Dasilva, while Jordan Henderson is doubtful.
Dango Ouattara is back after his Africa Cup of Nations exploits, but Frank Onyeka is still at the tournament.
Predicted line-ups
Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Robert Sanchez, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, Moises Caicedo, Alejandro Garnacho, Pedro Neto, Joao Pedro.
Brentford (4-2-3-1): Caoimhin Kelleher, Rico Henry, Nathan Collins, Kristoffer Ajer, Michael Kayode, Yehor Yarmoliuk, Vitaly Janelt, Dango Ouattara, Mathias Jensen, Kevin Schade, Igor Thiago.
Prediction
We predict a 2-2 draw.
Stats from whoscored.com & transfermarkt.com.
