Game Week 16 Predictions: Chelsea to beat Brentford

Chelsea vs. Brentford: Chelsea aims to close the gap on Liverpool in the title race. Can Brentford overcome their poor away form at Stamford Bridge?

Cole Palmer will once again be the man to watch out for against Brentford, can the Blues stop the Bees from winning again at the Stamford Bridge Stadium. (Photo credit: GOAL)

 Chelsea vs. Brentford.

Stamford Bridge Stadium

8:00 pm

Chelsea is in a great place; a win over Brentford takes them to just within two points of Liverpool at the top. Is it time to start throwing Chelsea firmly into the title race?

Enzo Maresca has done an incredible job to turn Chelsea into a contender again. From fighting in the abyss of mid-table, the Blues are second on the log, and who says it can’t be better over a sustained period? The Chelsea we grew accustomed to under Roman Abramovich has returned!

Brentford is enjoying a relatively successful season; their only issue is experiencing homesickness away from the G-Tech stadium. They have earned all but one of their points at home and struggle to perform well away from home.

The Bees, who currently hold the best home record in the league, will put that record to the test this December when they host elite teams. However, they must improve their away form, which leaves them vulnerable to losses, if they hope to finish in the top 10 this season.

Chelsea's dominance in the Europa Conference League ensures their inclusion in the knockout stage next year, eliminating the need for playoffs. However, their focus will also be on their upcoming League Cup match in midweek.

Brentford has been effective with Yoan Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo up front, and their midfield fluidity has proven beneficial, particularly in home games. However, how will they respond to the Blues' formidable attack at the Stamford Bridge Stadium on Sunday?

The incentives for the Blues are huge, and you don’t expect them to pass on it. Thomas Frank, however, must find a way to prove that he’s also an elite manager who can read games and impact them from the bench in case the starting eleven doesn’t make things happen.

Pedro Neto is unavailable for this one after picking up his fifth yellow card in their sensational 4-3 win over Tottenham last weekend; Reece James and Wesley Fofana are the other two expected to sit this one out as they continue to recover.

There are numerous players in the Brentford treatment room, and they possess the necessary skills to compete in the game; however, will they be able to prevent Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson from causing them harm on Sunday? Time will tell.

Verdict: Chelsea is to win.