Image Source: Alamy Stock Photo
2023/24 English Premier League
Matchday 27
Brentford v Chelsea
Gtech Community Stadium
London, England
Saturday, 2 March 2024
Kick-off is at 15h00
Chelsea will look to put their EFL Cup final disappointment behind them when they take on neighbours Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday, March 2.
The Blues narrowly missed out on winning their first silverware under Mauricio Pochettino after losing 1-0 to Liverpool at Wembley on February 25 courtesy of Virgil van Dijk's 118th-minute header.
Pochettino's side came close to beating Manchester City in the
Premier League eight days previous, having led through Raheem Sterling's 42nd-minute opener, but Rodri equalised via a deflected strike on 83 minutes to clinch a 1-1 draw.
The point took the West Londoners within one of the top 10 in 11th place, although local rivals Fulham are just three back in 12th after recording a 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford on February 24.
The Bees are a further seven points adrift in 15th position after a 1-0 loss to City at the Etihad Stadium on February 20 made it four defeats in their last five games.
Thomas Frank's side have the chance to go above Bournemouth (14th) and Crystal Palace (13th) on goal difference when they face West Ham at the London Stadium on February 26.
Image copyright: Getty Images
In team news, the hosts continue to be without Joshua Dasilva, Rico Henry (both knee), Aaron Hickey (thigh), Kevin Schade (groin), Ethan Pinnock and Bryan Mbeumo (both ankle), while Wesley Fofana (knee), Reece James, Romeo Lavia, Lesley Ugochukwu (all thigh), Benoit Badiashile (groin) and Carney Chukwuemeka (ankle) are unavailable for the visitors. Thiago Silva (groin) and Marc Cucurella (ankle) could come back into contention.
Frank hailed a "top performance" in defence against the Citizens and saw progress from his players after conceding four to Liverpool three days earlier.
"I'm very proud of the players. In many ways, it was a top defensive performance and a top performance, overall," the Dane said.
"Against Wolves, we took some big steps forward defensively, not only because of the clean sheet; we took a step or two backwards against Liverpool, giving some goals away we normally don't give away.
"And, today, I think we took some big steps forward again. The goal we conceded was just such an unlucky slip from Kristoffer Ajer. But I'm so pleased with the players' mentality, the defensive structure and principles."
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Pochettino pointed to the Reds as the perfect example of what belief can do for a team and has urged his players to keep faith in his project at Stamford Bridge.
"When you're playing for a trophy, nothing you can say will make them (the players) feel better. They need to realise that we need to work, we need to do things better and improve," the Argentine said.
"To compete at this level, you need to feel what it means to play for a big trophy. I remember that after three or four years [under Jurgen Klopp] Liverpool had lost the Europa League final and lost the Champions League final.
"But they kept believing in their project and got stronger each season until they got what they wanted. That is a good example and if we want to challenge a team like Liverpool, we need to keep believing, that is the most important thing."
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Brentford wins - 3
Chelsea wins - 1
Draws - 1
Premier League Matchday 27 fixtures:
Saturday, March 2
15h00: Brentford v Chelsea
15h00: Everton v West Ham United
15h00: Fulham v Brighton & Hove Albion
15h00: Newcastle United vWolverhampton Wanderers
15h00: Nottingham Forest v Liverpool
15h00: Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace
17h30: Luton Town v Aston Villa
Sunday, March 3
13h00: Burnley v Bournemouth
15h30: Manchester City v Manchester United
Monday, March 4
20h00: Sheffield United v Arsenal
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