Stamford Bridge hosts the London derby as Chelsea look to capitalize on Liverpool’s draw
Chelsea’s win over Tottenham last week saw them finish second in the Premier League table. The Blues are currently five points behind Liverpool who drew with Fulham on Saturday.
Maresca have not tasted defeat since October 30, and their unbeaten run in all competitions reached nine games on Thursday when they beat Astana 3-1 in Kazakhstan.
Chelsea are on the hunt for their first win against their west London rivals since December 2021.
Brentford have been enthusiastic this season and have played at a high level at home. In fact, no team has picked up more points at home in the Premier League than Thomas Frank’s Bees, but they have only got a point on their journey.
Their road problems mean they sit ninth in the Premier League table but are within touching distance of qualifying for European competitions.
Chelsea news
Those who appeared in Kazakhstan on Thursday are unlikely to play a role here, and Maresca are ready to name his line-up as similar to last Sunday’s win at Tottenham.
Noni Madueke will step in in the place of Pedro Neto, who is suspended, on the right, while Malo Gusto has added Moises Caicedo to Romeo Lavia’s midfield.
Reece James and Wesley Fofana both suffered hamstring injuries, while Mykhailo Mudryk is doubtful.
Chelsea vs Brentford starting line-up (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Colwill, Badiashile, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
