BRENTFORD host Chelsea in a west London derby on Saturday.
Chelsea go into this game after their Carabao Cup Final defeat to Liverpool, where they were heavily criticised for losing to a youthful Anfield team.
However, in midweek they showed plenty of previously-lacking battling spirit to hold off a spirited challenge from high-flying Championship side Leeds United in the FA Cup.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino defended his team after that Wembley defeat and would have been pleased at their response against Leeds.
However, there have been plenty of false dawns with the Blues so it would be wise not to get carried away yet.
Brentford are on an extremely concerning run where their form has nosedived. Monday's 4-2 defeat at another London club, West Ham was their third loss in a row and fifth out of their last six games.
In fairness to the Bees, they included home and away games to Manchester City, a home game at Liverpool and an away game at Spurs.
But they are too close for comfort to the drop zone – just five points ahead of Luton Town who have a game in hand on them
How the bookies view it
Chelsea are favourites here at 6/5 with 888sport. The hosts can be backed at 21/10 with bet365 and the draw is 14/5 with UniBet.
Recent head to heads
Brentford pulled off what used to be regarded as a shock but not so much these days with a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge in October.
In fact, they are unbeaten in four games against Chelsea and haven't conceded in their last three games against them. But they haven't actually beaten them at home since 1938 at their old Griffin Park ground.
Players to watch
Ivan Toney has scored four goals in seven games since his return to action following his lengthy ban. He is 8/5 to score anytime.
Mykhaylo Mudryk has become something of a poster boy for Chelsea squandering money since they paid £88.5 million for him. But he scored against Leeds and is 24/5 to net again with UniBet.
Anything else catch the eye?
Chelsea showed they can handle the heat in midweek, but all evidence this season points to the fact that they cannot be trusted and the sensible option this weekend may be to go for a share of the spoils.
The visitors have already lost six times on their travels, which is the same number of games Brentford have lost at home too.
Both teams to score ha come up on Brentford's last seven home games and a BTTS and over 2.5 goals is 4/5 with Boylesports here.
This English Premier League match between Brentford and Chelsea will be played on Mar 2, 2024 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Brentford vs Chelsea prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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