Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2024/25 English Premier League
Matchday 31
Brentford v Chelsea
Gtech Community Stadium
London, England
Sunday, 6 April 2025
Kick-off is at 15h00
Chelsea will be looking to keep the pressure on their rivals in the race for a top-finish when they lock horns with neighbours Brentford in a West London derby at the Gtech Community Stadium on Sunday, April 6.
The Blues' challenge for UEFA Champions League football has faltered in recent weeks after losing three of their last five games in the
Premier League.
A 1-0 London derby defeat to Arsenal on March 16 saw Enzo Maresca's side drop out of the top four, although they have a chance to reclaim fourth position from Manchester City when Tottenham visit Stamford Bridge on Thursday, April 3.
The Citizens went two points clear of them courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Leicester on April 2, while Newcastle moved up to fifth spot following a 2-1 triumph against the Bees.
It was a second loss in three matches for Thomas Frank's side, who find themselves three points outside the top 10 in 11th position.
Crystal Palace are breathing down their necks a further point behind in 12th place and the Eagles crucially have a game in hand.
The hosts have several injury concerns as Fabio Carvalho (shoulder), Josh Dasilva and Igor Thiago (both knee) are ruled out, while Mathias Jensen (illness), Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey and Gustavo Nunes are all rated doubtful.
Mykhailo Mudryk remains unavailable for the visitors due to suspension and Omari Kellyman also misses out with a thigh problem.
Frank admitted the contest against the Magpies was decided by small margins and felt his team could have come away from St James' Park with all three points if luck had gone their way.
"I'm very happy with the performance overall," the Dane said. "It was a performance that easily could have given us three points again. They embraced the atmosphere, they enjoyed playing in it. We were brave, we were aggressive.
"We had Ethan's [Pinnock] header which hit the inside of the post, then [Sandro] Tonali scores from a cross which is one in a million. I even asked him after and he said it was a cross!
"In these tight games, you need some margins to go your way."
Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
Maresca acknowledged that Chelsea weren't able to implement their usual quick attacking style of play in recent games as their opponents defended with numbers and looked to employ counter-attacking football.
"The last four or five home games - Southampton, Leicester, Wolves, West Ham - were against teams who you could see had 11 players behind the ball almost at the edge of their own box. How can you attack quick? It's impossible. You need the process," the Italian said.
"Also, they are teams who live for counter-attacks. If you want to attack quick, they attack quick, but they are more prepared than us to attack quick."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Brentford wins - 2
Chelsea wins - 1
Draws - 2
Premier League Matchday 31 fixtures:
Saturday, April 5
13h30: Everton v Arsenal
16h00: Crystal Palace v Brighton & Hove Albion
16h00: Ipswich Town v Wolverhampton Wanderers
16h00: West Ham United v Bournemouth
18h30: Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest
Sunday, April 6
15h00: Brentford v Chelsea
15h00: Fulham v Liverpool
15h00: Tottenham Hotspur v Southampton
17h30: Manchester United v Manchester City
Monday, April 7
21h00: Leicester City v Newcastle United
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