Report: Chelsea look to maintain momentum against Brentford in Premier League clash

Chelsea arrive at the Gtech Community Stadium this weekend with confidence steadily building under Enzo Maresca. The west London club have made a strong start to the Premier League campaign with two wins and a draw from their opening three matches, including a convincing 2-0 victory against Fulham at Stamford Bridge before the international break. Goals from Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez underlined the attacking options at Maresca’s disposal and suggested a team beginning to settle under his guidance.

For Brentford, Keith Andrews’ tenure has opened with mixed fortunes. Two wins and two defeats across their four competitive fixtures reveal a side still finding rhythm. Successes against Aston Villa and Bournemouth have been offset by losses to Nottingham Forest and Sunderland, meaning the Bees will want to re-establish home authority when Chelsea visit west London.

Photo IMAGO

Match details and how to watch

Brentford vs Chelsea takes place on Saturday, September 13, 2025, with an evening kick-off at 8pm BST. The venue is the Gtech Community Stadium, a ground that has quickly become one of the most atmospheric settings in the Premier League.

The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League, with coverage following West Ham’s clash with Tottenham earlier in the day. Supporters can stream the game through the Sky Go app or via the broadcaster’s website.

For those who miss the live action, Sky Sports will upload free highlights on its app and YouTube channel after the final whistle. Match of the Day will also feature extended highlights later that night on BBC One, beginning at 10.20pm BST.

Team news and selection issues

Chelsea’s most pressing concern remains the fitness of Cole Palmer. The playmaker has been central to Maresca’s plans but was withdrawn before their 5-1 victory over West Ham and also sat out the Fulham game. His absence extended into the international break, where he played no part for England. His availability could be decisive, although it is still unclear if he will be fit in time for Saturday’s fixture.

Other injuries for Chelsea include Benoit Badiashile and Romeo Lavia, both doubtful ahead of the match. Liam Delap and Dario Essugo continue their recovery from longer-term issues and are unavailable.

Brentford are dealing with midfield gaps of their own. Vitaly Janelt and Paris Maghoma remain sidelined, though there is hope that Yunus Emre Konak and Gustavo Nunes might return. Another significant change for the Bees is the departure of Yoane Wissa, who secured a move to Newcastle United before the transfer window closed. His absence could leave Brentford with fewer attacking options in key moments.

Photo: IMAGO

Form guide and tactical outlook

Maresca’s Chelsea appear to be developing rhythm after a frustrating opening-day draw with Crystal Palace. They scored five goals away at West Ham, then produced a controlled display to beat Fulham, showing variety in attack and resilience in defence. Even without Palmer, the balance between Fernandez in midfield and Pedro leading the line has provided clarity to their game plan.

Brentford will look to make the contest as difficult as possible, with Andrews emphasising energy and direct play. At home, the Bees often press high and seek to exploit space behind defensive lines, and Chelsea will need to be alert to set-piece opportunities that have long been a Brentford strength. However, the loss of Wissa means they are searching for new solutions in the final third.

This fixture has produced tense encounters since Brentford’s return to the Premier League, and the Bees remain a side capable of unsettling any opponent on home turf. Yet Chelsea have shown clear signs of momentum and are beginning to reflect the identity Maresca is attempting to instil.

“The world champions have looked very good in their last two games following a disappointing showing against Crystal Palace on the opening day. That has even been without Palmer, and they racked up the goals against West Ham before putting in a solid display against their west London rivals last time out.”

That sense of progress makes them strong favourites for this contest. Brentford’s energy and organisation may test Chelsea’s defensive structure, but the visitors have the depth to overcome those challenges. The prediction is for Chelsea to continue their unbeaten start with a 3-1 win at the Gtech Community Stadium.

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