Chelsea take on Brentford in the Premier League this weekend and since the Blues are sitting comfortably on the third spot on the table, Tuchel will have all his focus on the Real Madrid tie.
Chelsea take on Real Madrid in the Champions League next weekend so there’s a chance Thomas Tuchel will look to rest most of his regular starters this weekend. The London outfit have a five-point lead for the third spot and since Brentford are not in the best of form, Tuchel is not likely to make any elaborate plans.
The Blues go into this match at the back of five wins across all competitions whereas Brentford have lost two out of their previous five outings. The Bees have been able to land some resonant blows to top-table sides this season but Chelsea have been in top-class form at Stamford Bridge so we expect the home side to eventually come out on top this weekend.
Several Chelsea players should be returning from injuries on Saturday but we have to wait and see if Thomas Tuchel is ready to risk using them from the start with such a key UCL game vs Real Madrid coming up.
Early team news vs Brentford:
Andreas Christensen did not play for Denmark during the break so he remains a doubt for Saturday’s game. Even if he is fit, we don’t think Tuchel will risk using him.
Antonio Rudiger and Silva are both fit though so the Chelsea boss does not have much to worry about.
In the previous few months, Reece James has missed several games due to injuries but the right-back should be coming back into the side for the Chelsea vs Brentford tie.
Saul Niguez remains a doubt for this tie though but the Spaniard is way down the pecking order for Chelsea so either way, he is not going to be selected.
Mateo Kovacic played both the games for Croatia during the international break which means he will be rested this weekend so that he is fresh and ready for the Real Madrid tie.
Christian Pulisic is going to play for USA on Thursday so he too is not likely to be in contention when the Bees come to town.
If Pulisic is not playing, it’s good news for Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku because one of them will then definitely get a start alongside Kai Havertz.
Chelsea’s possible formation:
Usually, Chelsea play with a 3-5-2 system but since Tuchel is expected to rest several key players like Pulisic, Kovacic and possibly Alonso, the manager might alter his system to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.
This will not only allow someone like Mason Mount to slot into midfield but will also present the use of two wingers.
Werner and Hakim Ziyech are both apt at playing in a wider role which will help take a lot of pressure off Kai Havertz up front.
Recent form:
Chelsea: WWWWW
Brentford: LLWWL
Chelsea vs Brentford Prediction:
Chelsea 2-1 Brentford
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Stats courtesy Fotmob.
