Brentford v Chelsea – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

These clubs met a year ago in the final of the same competition as Pirates won 3-1 in controversial fashion.

Match: Brentford v Chelsea
When: Saturday, 13 September 2025

Brentford Form

The Bees finished tenth in the league last season under former coach Thomas Frank. They ended the season with 13 points from their final six matches. After four straight wins, they ended with a 3-2 loss to Fulham and a 1-1 draw at Wolves.

This season began with a 3-1 loss at Nottingham Forest as they trailed 3-0 at half time. A 1-0 home win over Aston Villa came with just 24% possession as they were outshot 17-9. After a 2-0 win at Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup, they lost 2-1 at Sunderland before the FIFA break. Brentford led 1-0 after 81 minutes but lost the match in the sixth minute of added time.

Brentford Team News

Yoane Wissa departed the club on deadline day whilst Reiss Nelson was signed on loan from Arsenal. Vitaly Janelt and Edmond-Paris Maghoma should return to contention in the engine room.

Frank Onyeka is in contention to replace Jordan Henderson in midfield. At left back, Rico Henry should be back in the XI in preference to Keane Lewis-Potter.

Brentford Motivation

The Bees are focused on getting points on the board. They would happily take a draw from this match as they adapt to life without some key players.

Coach Keith Andrews won’t care if his side have 30% possession. Brentford will look to stifle Chelsea and try to use their fast wingers on the break.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea won the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer after lifting the UEFA Conference League. After beating Fluminense 2-0 in the semi-finals, they thrashed PSG 3-0 in the final after a sublime performance.

This term began with a 0-0 home draw against Crystal Palace. A 5-1 destruction of West Ham followed with seven big chances created, after trailing 1-0. Their last match saw some VAR controversy but the Blues held firm to beat Fulham 2-0 at home.  

Chelsea Team News

Levi Colwill and Benoit Badiashile remain absent in defence. Cole Palmer is nearing a return from an injury and Alejandro Garnacho is set to make his debut.

Nicolas Jackson has departed the club whilst Liam Delap is injured up front. Jooa Pedro will lead the line with Marc Guiu recalled from loan to provide backup. Romeo Lavia is a doubt in midfield whilst Dario Essugo is out after surgery.

Chelsea Motivation

Chelsea are playing with confidence and would consider a draw to be a poor result in this one.

The Blues are expected to monopolise possession and play the match on the front foot.

Key Stats

Brentford have lost 2 of their last 3 league matches

Brentford have drawn their last 3 home matches vs Chelsea

Chelsea have won 16 of their last 19 matches

Chelsea have kept 8 clean sheets in their last 12 matches

Chelsea’s Joao Pedro has 5 goals in 5 starts for the club

Verdict

A good match awaits here. Chelsea have enough to win but the Bees should find the net at least once.

Best Bet: Chelsea win at 1.76

Alternate Bet: Chelsea win and both teams to score at 3.25

Bet Builder: Chelsea win and Joao Pedro to score anytime at 3.00