Brentford vs Chelsea predictions: Goals expected in Gtech thriller![Copy icon](/ls-web-assets/svgs/common/link-471b4.svg)
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![Brentford boss Thomas Frank has seen his side struggle defensively this season](https://uk1.sportal365images.com/process/smp-image-api/livescore.com/01082023/a91a4bf1-e6d8-4643-8a60-24d549683206.jpg?operations=fit(707:)&w=707&quality=100)
- Brentford have the joint-fourth worst defensive record in the Premier League
- Chelsea have kept just two clean sheets away from home in the league this season
- Recommended bet: Back Over 3.5 goals
Derby spoils are up for grabs on Saturday when West London rivals Brentford and Chelsea clash in the Premier League at the Gtech Community Stadium.
It has been an emotional few days for the Blues, who lost out to Liverpool in extra-time of the League Cup final before netting late to edge past Leeds 3-2 in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Wednesday.
A run of five defeats from their last six has seen Brentford plummet down the table to 16th position, leaving the club five points above the drop zone and firmly in the relegation mire.
Team news
![Ben Mee looks set to add to Brentford's growing injury list](https://uk1.sportal365images.com/process/smp-image-api/livescore.com/29022024/b1d60e9f-a2b5-4227-abcd-5af04e4be37e.jpg?operations=fit(707:)&w=707&quality=100)
Brentford are set to be without centre-back Ben Mee, who came off in the defeat at West Ham last time out with an ankle problem, and he joins fellow defenders Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey and Ethan Pinnock on the sidelines.
Due to their respective injuries, Bryan Mbeumo, Kevin Schade and Josh Dasilva are also unavailable for selection.
Chelsea's injury list is also a long one, with Wesley Fofana, Christopher Nkunku, Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia, and Lesley Ugochukwu all ruled out.
Marc Cucurella is closing in on a return from an ankle injury and could be involved in the matchday squad.
The stats
Brentford have lost five of their last six matches, conceding 15 goals during that period, while they have tasted defeat in four of their previous five home assignments.
The Bees have conceded 27 goals at the Gtech Community Stadium in the league this season; only Burnley (32) and Sheffield United (36) have let in more on home soil.
Chelsea have conceded in their last 12 away matches in all competitions, with their previous clean sheet on the road coming in a 2-0 victory at Fulham on October 2.
Over 3.5 goals has landed in six of the Blues' last nine fixtures, while the same bet has been successful in eight of Brentford's previous 11 assignments.
Prediction
This could be a great chance for Brentford to get back to winning ways as they take on a Chelsea side that will be emotionally and physically drained after a couple of intense cup fixtures.
However, there is not enough confidence to back the Bees to claim all three points, and the better play here looks to be in the goals market, specifically backing over 3.5 in the match.
Brentford have conceded three or more goals in seven of their last 11 outings, and the expected absence of English defender Mee will only add to their issues at the back.
Chelsea have also struggled defensively, and they are without a clean sheet in their last 10 away league fixtures, with over 3.5 goals landing in six of those contests.
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