James, Kante And Lukaku To Start, Hudson Odoi On The Bench: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Face Brentford

David Tully

3 years ago

Categories: Chelsea News, Galleries, Match Previews

Tags: Brentford, Chelsea, N'Golo Kante, Reece James

Chelsea have A LOT of fitness doubts heading into Saturday’s game against Brentford, which make this starting eleven prediction particularly difficult.

We should know more after Thomas Tuchel’s pre-match press conference but, at the time of writing, neither Romelu Lukaku nor Antonio Rudiger are guaranteed to be in the squad due to knocks.

With Reece James and N’Golo Kante having just returned to training as well, the team that Tuchel selects this weekend could have a very different look to it, depending on who is 100% fit and available.

Press the next page as we predict the Blues’ starting lineup to face Brentford.

GK – Edouard Mendy

Mendy SHOULD have been included in the 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, and it is extremely disappointing that he was overlooked considering the outstanding year he has had.

The Senegalese international has been very consistent and he’ll likely be right at the top of his game on Saturday.

RWB – Reece James

The 21-year-old has been sidelined with an ankle injury since the defeat to Manchester City but he was pictured back in training earlier this week so he is in contention.

Callum Hudson-Odoi could be considered as a potential alternative but, with Brentford a major threat at home, Tuchel will want a solid defender playing at wingback.

CB – Cesar Azpilicueta

The makeup of the three-man defence will very much depend on the availability of Thiago Silva and Rudiger for the game at the Brentford Community Stadium this weekend.

If one or both are not available, you would put good money on Tuchel selecting Azpilicueta at right centre-back, to ensure there is sufficient experience in the backline.

CB – Andreas Christensen

Silva is not expected to feature as he will be in the Brazil squad that faces Uruguay early on Friday morning. Asking the 37-year-old to get back to the UK and play in 36 hours is a lot to ask.

With that being the case, Christensen will almost certainly be asked to play in the centre of defence, having looked very solid all season.

CB – Antonio Rudiger

The German has been ever-present this campaign but he did sit out Germany’s last match with a back injury and there are no guarantees he will be fit enough to start on Saturday.

It would present a problem for Tuchel if Rudiger isn’t available but the feeling is the centre-half will be given every chance to prove his fitness.

LWB – Ben Chilwell

The 24-year-old scored in the Blues’ last match before the international break, and he looks to be far more confident than he was at the start of the season.

Chilwell could, therefore, be favoured ahead of Marcos Alonso, especially as he provides more cover defensively; something Chelsea may need against Brentford.

CM – Jorginho

The Italian’s form has dropped in recent weeks, but it would be a big shock if Tuchel decided to drop him. His passing range could prove crucial in getting behind a stubborn Bees’ defence.

Jorginho will also undoubtedly be buoyed by the confirmation that he is in contention for the Ballon d’Or, after being announced as a nominee last week.

CM – N’Golo Kante

It is always difficult to tell whether a player is 100% fit after contracting the virus, but Kante seems to be ready to return after taking a full part in training this week.

Brentford will try to make it a battle in the middle of the park this weekend but, with Kante in the team, you’d expect Chelsea will come out on top.

RW – Mason Mount

The 22-year-old is one of the first names on the teamsheet for Tuchel and, with Hakim Ziyech not impressing the manager, and Christian Pulisic still out injured, you’d think the England international will be selected to start on Saturday.

Mount has had injury issues to deal with in recent weeks that have hampered his performances but it will be hoped that he returns to top form soon.

CF – Romelu Lukaku

The Belgian will have had a full week to recover from the muscle fatigue that forced him out of his country’s Nations League third-place playoff against Italy last weekend.

Even so, there are doubts over Lukaku’s fitness levels. We have put him in our eleven as there has been no confirmation that he is unavailable.

LW – Timo Werner

The German’s confidence is high after scoring against Southampton in his last game for Chelsea. After a brace for his country last week as well, he should be given another start on Saturday.

It is hoped that Werner can go on a scoring streak now and prove to any doubters that he deserves a regular place in the starting eleven.