Premier League
Brentford v Chelsea: Big Match Preview
Football Writer, Racing Tipster
About 1 min listen, read by a realistic UK voice.
Stephen WelchBig Match SpecialBrentford v Chelsea
Kick Off
Friday 18 September at 20:00
Competition
Premier League
This weekend’s Premier League action kicks off with an intriguing West London derby at the Gtech Community Stadium as Brentford host Chelsea in a Friday night fixture. Both clubs have made solid starts to the new season and will be looking to go into the international break on high.
Brentford are one of only seven Premier League clubs to remain unbeaten through their first four matches of the season. The Bees won convincingly at home to Spurs (3-0) on the opening weekend and have drawn each of their subsequent three league games to sit in seventh position on six points. Chelsea are one place and one point better off having earned seven points from their first four league games. The Blues kicked off their season with back-to-back wins against Fulham (3-2) and Brighton & Hove Albion (4-3) but have since lost 2-1 to Arsenal before coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 at home to Hull City.
Over 2.5 at 4/9
Total Goals (Over/Under)
Chelsea are rapidly becoming the Premier League’s great entertainers under Xabi Alonso with their four league games producing 19 goals (10 for, 9 against). Friday’s visitors have conceded at least two goals in each of their four league games this season and after last season’s 2-2 draw in this fixture, we could be treated to another high-scoring contest at the Gtech on Friday.
Kevin Schade at 85/40
Anytime Goalscorer
Kevin Schade is developing into a key player for Brentford and the German international has made a solid start to the new campaign. Schade leads the way for Brentford in goals, shots and shots on target in the Premier League this season. Against a Chelsea side that consistently ships goals, Schade looks good value to add to his three league goals for the season.
Cole Palmer Over 0.5 shots on target at 4/11
Player Shots On Target
Chelsea’s front three of Joao Pedro, Morgan Rogers and Cole Palmer is arguably the most potent strike force in the Premier League. The attacking trio have already registered eight goals between them in the league this season. All are worth consideration in the goal scorer markets but the value could be found in the shot markets. Cole Palmer ranks third behind Erling Haaland and Bruno Fernandes for total shots in the Premier League this season, recording a total of 15 shots at 3.8 shots per 90 minutes played. In what promises to be a high-scoring game, back Palmer to chalk up a high shot volume once more.
Vitaly Janelt at 85/40
Player To Be Carded
Vitaly Janelt sits joint-first for fouls committed in the Premier League this season having conceded nine fouls at 2.3 fouls per 90 minutes played. He is worth consideration in Friday’s foul markets but the value could be in backing Janelt to be carded. The Brentford midfielder has been carded three times in his side’s first four league games this season and is well-priced to pick up another booking.
Brentford v Chelsea Tips
Over 2.5
Total Goals (Over/Under)
Kevin Schade
Anytime Goalscorer
Cole Palmer Over 0.5 shots on target
Player Shots On Target
Vitaly Janelt
Player To Be Carded
Aston Villa
Match Result
Over 2.5
Total Goals (Over/Under)
John McGinn
Player To Be Carded
Verdict
Brentford against Chelsea has the feel of a game decided by fine margins rather than one side running away with it. There is enough quality at both ends to make it competitive throughout, with momentum likely to swing more than once. Stephen Welch make Over 2.5 at 4/9 the standout call on the card.