Chelsea take on Brentford in London derby.

Chelsea vs Brentford kicks off at 15:00 [GMT] on Saturday, January 17, at Stamford Bridge.

Eighth-placed Chelsea welcome Brentford to Stamford Bridge in a London derby that carries significant weight for both sides, albeit for very different reasons. The Blues are searching for stability and momentum, while Brentford arrive with confidence built on a strong recent run and a growing reputation as one of the league’s most dangerous late-game teams. Recent history suggests this fixture has been uncomfortable for Chelsea. They have won just one of their last eight Premier League meetings with Brentford (D4 L3), though that solitary victory did come in this exact fixture last season with a narrow 2-1 win. Notably, none of Brentford’s nine away league visits to Chelsea have ended level, highlighting how decisive these encounters tend to be. Chelsea’s wider form is also concerning, with only one win from their last nine league matches [DLDDL], a sequence in which they have conceded the opening goal in each of their last three outings. Despite Chelsea’s struggles in converting performances into results, the underlying metrics paint a more positive picture. Only Manchester City and Manchester United have posted a higher expected goals total than Chelsea this season, yet the Blues sit 17th for the difference between goals scored and xG. This inefficiency in front of goal has been a defining issue and remains a key obstacle for Liam Rosenior as he takes charge of his first Premier League match. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Joao Pedro in attack is expected against Brentford.

Fifth-placed Brentford [WWDWW], meanwhile, arrive in west London unbeaten in their last six Premier League games, their longest such run since September 2023. While their record in away London derbies is poor overall, losing 11 of their last 15, recent performances suggest a more resilient and mature side. The Bees have spent 37.2% of their time in winning game states this season, bettered only by Manchester City and Arsenal. They have been particularly ruthless of late. No team has scored more goals or generated more expected goals in the final 15 minutes of matches this campaign than Brentford. That late threat is reflected in their attacking partnerships. Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade are currently the most productive duo in the Premier League in terms of goals combined, with Schade assisting three of Thiago’s strikes. Their chemistry could be crucial against a Chelsea side that has struggled to protect leads and control matches. Thiago is expected at the attacking end of Brentford’s 4—2—3—1 formation.