Until we know what is going on with Reece James and Joao Pedro, we’ll just assume that they are okay, and available for selection this weekend at Brentford. Now they did miss training on Tuesday, so who knows, they might indeed be injured, but until we get confirmation on that, let’s just assume that they are totally fine. We predict the pair will start in the London derby on Friday night. We also think that Maxence Lacroix will go back into the first team here, after beginning the last match, a 2-2 draw with Hull City, on the bench. And Pep Chavarria should get his chance on the left wing, after Jorell Hato failed to impress.
What are the Chelsea at Brentford FYIs?
Kickoff: Fri. Sept. 18, 8pm
Venue: Gtech Community Stadium, London, UK
Premier League Standings, Form: Chelsea 6th, 7 pts, WWLD Brentford 7th, 6 pts, WDDD
Result Probability, According to Google: Chelsea win 41% Draw 25% Brentford 34%
Chelsea Preview Material: Predicted Starting XI Team News
Chavarria has started two League Cup games, and made some Premier League substitute appearances, but he has yet to get a starting assignment in a league fixture.
Have Any of the Injured Guys Been Passed Fit?
Yes, two guys who came off the injured list and participated in full training are Marco Palestra and Jordan Henderson. Both should be in the matchday squad here, and with that, make their Chelsea debuts on the weekend. However, they won’t begin their southwest London careers in the first XI.
What Changes Could We See Xabi Alonso Make with the First Team?
Emiliano Martinez; Levi Colwill, Maxence Lacroix, Wesley Fofana; Pedro Neto, Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Pep Chavarria; Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.