Confirmed Team News and Predicted Chelsea XI Ahead of Brentford Derby | OneFootball

Chelsea XI Predicted as West London Derby Looms

The turnaround is tight, the decisions significant. Chelsea’s narrow but gritty 1-0 win over Tottenham on Thursday has lifted spirits and expectations. But fewer than 72 hours later, the west London derby away at Brentford now beckons, and Enzo Maresca must once again reshape a squad teetering on the edge of full fitness.

Managing Minutes After Tottenham

Enzo Fernandez’s headed winner underlined Chelsea’s recent grit, edging them back into the Premier League’s top four with just eight games remaining. But victory came at a price. Maresca now finds himself balancing freshness with form.

Nicolas Jackson returned after a two-month absence with a hamstring injury and showed flashes of sharpness before fatigue took over. “It remains to be seen whether he is risked again so soon” against Brentford, with rotation almost certain up front.

There was also a welcome cameo from Noni Madueke. Returning from his own hamstring issue, the winger is now “pushing to make his first start since February’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton.” His return places Jadon Sancho under pressure to retain his spot.

Photo: IMAGO

Defence Faces Tight Turnaround

In defence, Reece James was a surprise omission from the Spurs starting XI despite solid showings prior to and during the international break. With freshness key, he’s expected to be restored to the line-up, potentially alongside Marc Cucurella and Levi Colwill. Maresca has managed to keep Chelsea compact and tactically sound in recent weeks — but Brentford, always aggressive at home, will test that.

Tosin Adarabioyo could again anchor the defence with Colwill, as Wesley Fofana remains out. There’s further concern with Romeo Lavia, who missed Thursday’s match and won’t return for this fixture either.

“[Fofana had] a muscle problem a few days ago and we are waiting for more checks,” said Maresca. “[Lavia] for Sunday is out. We don’t know [about a timeline] yet. Romeo looks a little bit better injury compared to Wes, in terms of Romeo will probably be back more quickly than Wes.”

Photo IMAGO

Mudryk also remains unavailable and was not involved against Spurs.

Chelsea XI Prediction for Brentford

With the congested schedule, Maresca’s expected to shuffle several key roles while maintaining a structure that has proven resilient in recent matches. The midfield axis of Moises Caicedo and Fernandez remains untouched, with Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto providing support in attack.

Madueke looks set to be rewarded with a start, offering pace and directness from the right, while Jackson is likely to be risked again through the middle unless a late change is forced.

Predicted Chelsea XI:Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson

Match Details and Broadcast Information

Chelsea enter this fixture on a run of improved form and with a top-four spot in their grasp. Brentford, battling for consistency, will relish the chance to disrupt the Blues’ rhythm. For Maresca, the challenge is not just physical recovery, but psychological sharpness — and ensuring his Chelsea XI can meet the moment, again.