Chelsea will look to tighten their grip on third place on Saturday as they welcome west London rivals Brentford to Stamford Bridge. Thomas Tuchel’s side can move eight points clear of fourth placed Arsenal with a win over the Bees, but they will certainly be tested if the visitors put in a performance as good as that they delivered earlier in the season at the Brentford Community Stadium.
Six points in March did plenty to ease any relegation fears for Thomas Frank, though they will still need to collect a few more points to be absolutely certain that they will be in the Premier League next season. Those may not come on Saturday but if Brentford are starting to round the corner in terms of form they could give Chelsea quite the headache. Here is what you need to know for Saturday’s game:
How to watch
Date: Saturday, April 2 | Time: 10 a.m. ET
Location: Stamford Bridge — London
TV: USA | Live stream: fuboTV (Try for free)
Odds: Chelsea -300; Draw +375; Brentford +900 (via Caesars Sportsbook)
Featured Game | Chelsea vs. Brentford
Storylines
Chelsea: Though Tuchel has done sterling work at keeping his players focused on what they control the takeover of the club from Roman Abramovich continues to rumble on in the background. Come Saturday, fans are expected to expand their #NoToRicketts campaign with protests planned before and possibly during the game to express their distaste at the prospects of being owned by the family in light of racist comments made by Tom Ricketts.
On the pitch, Tuchel will receive a welcome boost with Reece James back in his side after a recent injury but he may have to do without Christian Pulisic, who he described as “very tired and [hugely jet lagged]” after his exertions with the USMNT. The Chelsea No. 10 may well be held in reserve for Wednesday’s clash with Real Madrid (watch on Paramount+).
Brentford: Christian Eriksen’s return to form has been one of the most uplifting stories of the Premier League season so far and the Dane will doubtless be keen to show that he is back to his old ways against a side he has enjoyed impressive individual returns against in recent years. In his last eight Premier League meetings with the Blues, the Dane had five assists and two goals. He might even be able to reprise his trick of deadly crosses to a target man matched up against Cesar Azpilicueta, the approach that stunned Chelsea back in early 2017.
For now, Brentford and Eriksen’s focus is on more immediate matters, rather than addressing a contract that expires at the end of the season. “We would like him to continue,” Frank said. “I’m convinced Christian is enjoying it here. But I’m also convinced nothing will be signed before the end of the season.”
Prediction
Chelsea are unlikely to find this easy but their recent run of form suggests that this is a team hitting a good run of form at the right moment. Pick: Chelsea 2, Brentford 0
