Chelsea vs Brentford: Preview and Betting Tips | EPL 2024

Match: Chelsea vs Brentford
When: Sunday, 15 December 2024, 21:00 SAST
Where: Stamford Bridge, London

Chelsea Form

After their October defeats at Liverpool in the league and at Newcastle in the Carabao Cup, Enzo Maresca’s side have started to absorb his ideas. Successive 1-1 league draws, versus Man Utd (away) and Arsenal (home) have been followed by six consecutive wins in all competitions.

They won 2-1 at Leicester before needing 11 saves from their goalkeeper in a 2-0 European win at Heidenheim. A 3-0 home win over Aston Villa was followed by a 5-1 thrashing of Southampton. Last weekend, Chelsea came from 2-0 down to win 4-3 at Tottenham before a 3-1 win at Uzbek club Astana.

Chelsea Team News

The Blues rested their entire starting XI in midweek. Enzo Maresca could make two changes from the win at Tottenham with Malo Gusto coming into the XI and Noni Madueke coming in for the suspended Pedro Neto.

Reece James is set to miss out with injury whilst Wesley Fofana will also play no part. Romeo Lavia could drop to the bench to allow Gusto’s recall to the lineup.

Chelsea Motivation

Motivation and confidence are high and the entire starting XI is fresh.

Chelsea will go all out to win this match, looking to control Brentford’s direct game and fast counters.

Brentford Form

The Bees are having a bizarre season. They have 23 points with 22 of those at home and just one on the road in seven away trips. They have netted 26 goals at home but just five on their travels. They lost 2-1 at Fulham are leaking two injury-time goals. A 3-2 home win over Bournemouth preceded a 0-0 draw at Everton.

After smashing Leicester 4-1 at home with a Kevin Schade hattrick, they lost 3-1 at Aston Villa having trailed 3-0 after 34 minutes. Last weekend saw the Bees score four goals from just 11 shots in a 4-2 victory over Newcastle at home.

Brentford Team News

Thomas Frank is still without his two natural left backs in Rico Henry and Aaron Hickey due to injuries. Josh Dasilva will not feature in midfield due to a knee complaint.

Vitaly Janelt and Mathias Jensen should both shake off injuries to boost the options in midfield. Igor Thiago will hope for another start up front whilst Kevin Schade is another option having scored off the bench against Newcastle.

Brentford Motivation

The Bees would regularly switch to a 5-3-2 shape for these big games. This season, Thomas Frank has been playing ultra-attacking lineups instead.

They will try to win at Stamford Bridge. A slightly more direct game with a focus on set pieces is expected.

Key Stats

Chelsea have won their last 6 matches in all competitions.

Chelsea have lost just 2 of their last 20 league matches at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea’s Cole Palmer has 11 goals in the league this season.

Brentford have lost 6 of their last away EPL matches this season.

The Bees have lost 16 of their last 21 away league matches.

Verdict

Chelsea are playing well and Brentford are dire on their travels. Cole Palmer should inspire the Blues to three points at home.

Best Bet: Chelsea win and Over 2.5 goals at 1.66
Alternate Bet: Chelsea win (-1 handicap) at 1.83
Value Bet: Chelsea win and both Palmer and Jackson to score anytime at 5.28