CHELSEA v Brentford: Preview

Date: Saturday 17^th January 2026

Venue: Stamford Bridge

Kick-off: 15:00 BST

After a 5-1 win against Charlton in the FA Cup last weekend, Liam Rosenior’s master plan got a proper crash test against Arsenal midweek. You’d think he’d saved the heavy artillery for the Gunners, but no – apparently, the plan was to see if our Lego skills could save the day instead. We were always going to be up against it, but somehow, thanks to a bit of plastic brick team bonding, we clawed things back enough to make the scoreline look less like a crime scene and more like maybe we might just sneak through the back door in the second leg.

Today, we’re back at Stamford Bridge, where the only thing more fragile than our confidence is a Chelsea manager’s contract. Our recent form? Think less ‘form table’ and more ‘Jenga tower after several pints’. One win in nine. Eighth in the league. Brentford breezing past into fifth faster than you can say “VAR check.” The Bees have won three on the trot, including a relaxed FA Cup jaunt against Sheffield Wednesday. Frankly, they’re buzzing and we’re swatting at thin air. In fact, if they bring any more sting today, we’ll have to start handing out antihistamines.

Word is, our squad selection midweek was down to injuries, a mystery bug, and—wait for it—dodgy hand-washing. Honestly, with the manager fronting up the narrative for both the club doctors and the Board, it’s a wonder he’s not also doing the PA announcements and serving pies at half-time.

Expect another lucky-dip line-up and another bumpy ride for his Premier League initiation.

MANAGER’S VIEWS

Going into today’s game, Liam Rosenior, says “[Keith Andrews] has done a great job. I’m not surprised because I’ve known Keith. I’ve had really good conversations with him over the last few years. He’s always been really passionate about the game. He’s got a lot of experience in coaching in different roles. And his team are performing really, really well. I’ve got a good relationship with him. He’s a good guy. Yeah, really not surprised at what he’s done so far with Brentford. He’s at a good club where they have a clear idea about their infrastructure and what they want to do. And analysing his team, they’re in a good form. It’ll be a difficult challenge for us, but one that we’re really looking forward to.

I think what makes them dangerous is their property in every phase of the game. All 11 players are willing to defend. Again, a very good team on set plays. Whether that’s from long throws, wide free kicks or corners. They’re a team with no ego. In the most positive times, I can say that. They work really hard for each other. They’re very well organised, as every team in the Premier League is. So we know the challenge. We know we have to be at a really, really good level on Saturday. We’re going to prepare the game, as we always do, in the best possible way.

I’m not focused on anything that’s happened in the past. I want us to be front-footed. I want us to be high-tempo, especially in the beginning of the game, and take the game to the opposition, so they know it’s a difficult game to come to Stamford Bridge. Actually, I want to play so we get the crowd on our side. They’re all things that we’ll talk about in the next couple of days. But the most important thing is that we do the basics really, really well. Again, I keep going back to the basics. Win duels, defence at play as well. That’s something we have to improve. Even from last night, all three goals. One’s from a corner, one’s from a throw-in, one’s from a free-kick. We need to switch on a little bit more in those moments, and if we do, with the talent we have and with the players we have and the team, we have a good chance of winning the game.”

Brentford manager, Keith Andrews, meanwhile, says “We’re obviously content with where we are and the progress we’ve made. Proud of the journey we’ve taken the club on, the team, the players. It’s been an immense effort. I think there’s been a real humility around how we’ve gone about our business. I like that a lot and I just think we keep striving really, that would be the message. We’ve had good discussions this week after the FA Cup game. We want to keep pushing.

Liam [Rosenior] is someone I know pretty well. Mutual friends. I’m not sure we played against each other too often, but we spent a bit of time together doing games [as pundits]. It was clear he was going to be good, a good coach. The journey he’s been on, I liked the fact that he took the Strasbourg job. I thought that was brave. I thought it was a step into the unknown to a degree but, as a coach, I liked that step because I don’t know many who weren’t surprised when Hull relieved him of his duties. And to say he’s reacted well from that would be an understatement, so delighted to see him be given the opportunity he’s been given.

We’ll go into it in a pretty fearless way and we want to approach the game to win it. Equally, we’re very, very respectful of them and how they can play the game and in particular some of the levels they can hit individually. They have some top individuals that can really hurt you if you don’t nullify them.”

SQUAD NEWS

For Chelsea, Levi Colwill (ACL) is still on his extended holiday in the treatment room, while Romeo Lavia has apparently been spotted running on grass—but only so far as waving at the team from a safe distance. Mykhailo Mudryk? Suspended. Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens? Both out with the mysterious Stamford Bridge Sniffles. Cole Palmer (groin), Reece James (hip) and Malo Gusto are all sitting in the ‘maybe’ camp, depending on which way the wind blows in the medical department. But Moises Caicedo is back from his ban.

For Brentford, Josh Dasilva, Fabio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo all remain out, whilst Jordan Henderson (ankle) will be assessed. Frank Onyeka remains away at the Africa Cup of Nations.  

TEAMS

CHELSEA (Possible line-up): Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro

BRENTFORD (Possible line-up): Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Collins, Henry; Yarmolyuk, Janelt; Ouattara, Jensen, Schade; Thiago

LAST SEASON

Chelsea 2-1 Brentford (15 December 2024)

CURRENT FORM (PL)

CHELSEA: WDLDDL

BRENTFORD: DWWDWW

OTHER STUFF

• Chelsea have won just one of their last eight Premier League games against Brentford.
• Brentford have won 4 and lost 5 of 9 away league games against Chelsea.
• Chelsea have only won one of their last nine Premier League games
• Brentford are unbeaten in each of their last six Premier League games
• Brentford have lost 11 of their last 15 away London derbies in the Premier League

PREDICTION

Sportsmole: Chelsea 2-2 Brentford