Published Jan 14, 4:37am ET by
Alex Dudley - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Jan 14, 4:37am ET
Credit: Shutterstock
Updated Jan 14, 4:37am ET
Liam Rosenior’s first Premier League game in charge at Chelsea takes place on Jan 17, as the Blues host Brentford. Find our picks here.
The Blues have dropped to eighth in the EPL standings after going five without a win. However, confidence would have been gained following a powerful offensive showing in the FA Cup last Saturday.
Brentford’s confidence should be sky high ahead of this challenge at the Bridge. The Bees sit fifth in the EPL standings following wins in each of their last two, and they could move into the Champions League spots with a win on Saturday.
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|---|---|
| Chelsea | -140 |
| The Draw | +293 |
| Brentford | +405 |
It feels as though Chelsea’s season is at a cross-roads, and there will be immediate pressure on Liam Rosenior to hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge.
A run of five without a win spelled the end for Enzo Maresca, and that run of results saw the Blues drop to eighth in the standings. The Blues did win their first match under their new coach last Saturday, as they hammered Charlton 5-1 in the FA Cup. But, this represents a significant step up in opposition.
Palmer is likely to be a key player for Rosenior, but the coach is likely to be careful with the star man due to his injury niggles in 2025-26. Cucurella remains suspended.
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Brentford were considered among the favorites for relegation following Keith Andrews’ appointment in the summer. However, the coach has done an impressive job at the Gtech Community Stadium, with the Bees currently sitting fifth in the standings after 21 rounds of games.
Brentford’s form has been excellent, winning four of their last five in the league, and each of their previous three in all competitions. Igor Thiago has been a standout player for the Bees, netting an impressive 16 goals in 21 league appearances.
However, Brentford’s away record could dampen expectations this weekend, as they have lost seven of their ten on the road in 2025-26.
| TOTAL | Chelsea | Brentford | DRAWS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Games | 13 | 5 | 3 | 5 |
| Goals | 35 | 20 | 15 |
At -140, Chelsea could be the worst-priced selection in the Premier League this weekend. Brentford’s offensive quality has seen them score 1.67 goals per game, and their prowess from set pieces is likely to unsettle a youthful and inexperienced Blues backline. Brentford at +405 is a very tempting selection, but the Bees and Draw in the Double Chance market could be the standout selection.
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Pick
Brentford or Draw
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