Brentford predicted lineup vs Chelsea - Premier League

Brentford resume a jubilant start to their maiden Premier League campaign by hosting west London rivals Chelsea on Saturday evening.

Thomas Frank's side trail the reigning European champions by just four points and have only lost one of their opening seven top-flight fixtures, conceding a gut-wrenching 90th minute winner at home to Brighton. In fact, Brentford have spent just 5% of the Premier League season trailing their opponents, less than league leaders and upcoming opponents Chelsea (per Opta).

Here's the lineup Frank may deploy to extend that disparity further.

Brentford predicted lineup vs Chelsea - Premier League

1. Goalkeeper & defenders

David Raya (GK) - Lauded as one of Brentford's 'top three performers this season' by his manager, Raya's 'spotless' start to the season is set to continue in the starting XI.

Mathias Jorgensen (CB) - A likely replacement for the doubtful Kristoffer Ajer, Jorgensen was part of the last newly-promoted defence to also concede as few as six goals in their first seven games with Huddersfield Town in 2017.

Pontus Jansson (CB) - Brentford's charismatic club captain summed up the joyous start his side has made to their maiden Premier League campaign with three words before the international break: "WHAT A TEAM!"

Ethan Pinnock (CB) - With goals in the National League, League One, Championship and now the Premier League, Brentford's well-travelled centre-back just needs a slide into the fourth tier to complete the set.

2. Wing-backs & midfielders

Sergi Canos (RWB) - A name that has been indelibly inked into the history of this club as Brentford's first ever Premier League goalscorer, Canos has proven his worth to the side of today just as much with his industry off the ball.

Frank Onyeka (CM) - An ever-present in Nigeria's double-header against Central African Republic during the international break, Onyeka may well retain his starting berth at club level as well.

Christian Norgaard (CM) - Brentford's steely safety bumper will have to put pleasantries aside for 90 minutes when he faces his regular golfing partner, Chelsea's Andreas Christensen.

Mathias Jensen (CM) - Fresh from helping Denmark qualify for the World Cup, injury to Vitaly Janelt may have provided an opening for Jensen to earn his first ever Premier League start.

Rico Henry (LWB) - Yet to either score or provide an assist, only Brentford's talismanic frontman has been involved in more open play passages in the lead up to a shot than the adventurous Henry (per FBref).

3. Forwards

Bryan Mbeumo (ST) - Based on the quality and quantity of chances that have fallen Mbeumo’s way, Brentford’s 22-year-old has actually been the side’s main scoring threat so far.

Ivan Toney (ST) - Brentford’s ‘Ice Man’ - as dubbed by Canos - has played more of a facilitator’s role to ensure the club’s smooth start to the season, creating a team-high 12 chances, two of which have led to goals.