Brentford vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League latest score, match stream, goal updates and fan reaction
After a week of European and domestic cup action, the Premier League returns to our TV screens with a west London derby as Chelsea head to Brentford. The Blues are winless in their last two outings in this competition after their well-forecast defeat by Arsenal and worrying draw with Hull last time out. Calamitous defending could be cited as the cause for both goals they conceded there, but Joao Pedro struck late to bail them out.
The Blues may not be able to call on the Brazilian at Brentford, though, after he withdrew from international duty with a suspected injury. The Bees, meanwhile, have made an odd start to the campaign. They are yet to taste defeat, but have drawn three of their four matches thus far after trouncing Tottenham on opening weekend.
This is something of a bogey ground for Chelsea - they have not won there since 2021 - and Alonso must overcome that hoodoo if he is to come away with a vital three points tonight. Follow the match LIVE below with dedicated match blog, complete with expert insight and analysis from Oli Gent at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Brentford vs Chelsea latest news
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Oli Gent at the Gtech Stadium
An attacking lineup from Keith Andrews, with Kevin Schade and Jaidon Anthony flanking Igor Thiago, and Mikkel Damsgaard tucked behind the lone striker as the creative No10.
It will be on the Dane to pick up those pockets between the lines, crafting out chances for his big Brazilian team-mate and the inside forwards that will be looking to drift in off their flanks and add bodies in the box.
Team news reminder
Just ten minutes to go until kick-off. Here’s a reminder of this evening’s starting lineups.
Kelleher, Kayode, Ajer, Schuster, Lewis-Potter, Janelt, Yarmoliuk, Damsgaard, Anthony, Schade, Thiago
Martinez; Fofana, Lacroix, Colwill; Neto, Henderson, Barco, Chavarria; Palmer, Rogers; Welbeck
Oli Gent at the Gtech Stadium
A smattering of boos as Jordan Henderson's name is read over the tannoy. How will he be received when he steps onto the pitch?
Chelsea's new clothes
Chelsea tonight will hand a competitive debut to their new black-and-yellow away kit.
Project clean sheet?
Our reporter Oli Gent is on hand at the Gtech Stadium tonight. Allow him to brief you on what tonight means for either side...
Mamadou Sangare has been handed a rest this evening after making a bright start to life in the Premier League.
He signed for Brentford as a club-record signing from Lens earlier this summer.
But Keith Andrews has effectively confirmed he will come off the bench, saying: "I've got no doubt Mamadou will feature heavily tonight.”
Imagine Jordan Henderson’s presence in the XI had something to do with this...
Henderson previews his debut
“A lot has gone on in the last few months. Delighted to be back on the pitch, it has been a while so I’m just excited to be back.
“(My injury was) a little frustrating, but I have just tried to stay as fit as I can for this opportunity. I’m looking forward to it. It has been good to settle in with the team. Hopefully now I can get involved.”
Oli Gent at the Gtech Stadium
A serious opportunity for Colwill to prove his worth as a leader as he takes the captain's armband in James' absence. The 23-year-old has been shown real faith by Alonso, who could so easily have named either of his veterans - Henderson and Welbeck - as skipper this evening.
Xabi Alonso explains Reece James injury
"He had a little injury in his hamstring. He tried, we waited until this morning, but he couldn't make it. Now we have enough time to prepare for the next one. He was just short of recovering." (via Sky Sports)