Chelsea Captain Azpilicueta Returns in Three Changes to Lineup Against Brentford
Chelsea vs Brentford lineups
Frank Lampard has been forced to make three changes to his Chelsea side ahead of their Premier League match against Brentford. The return of captain Cesar Azpilicueta is one of those changes, marking his first appearance since being taken off with a head injury more than two months ago in a match against Southampton. Reece James, on the other hand, has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a hamstring injury suffered in the previous match against Real Madrid.
In attack, Kai Havertz misses the game due to a knee problem and has been replaced by Raheem Sterling. Conor Gallagher and N’Golo Kante both retain their places from last week’s Champions League tie against Real Madrid. Ben Chilwell has also been brought in to replace Marc Cucurella on the left.
The midfield partnership of Enzo Fernandez and Mateo Kovacic continues, while the back three of Wesley Fofana, Thiago Silva, and Trevoh Chalobah, along with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, remain unchanged.
Brentford have made four changes to their team compared to their draw with Aston Villa last weekend. Zanka, an experienced center-back, and wing-back Mads Roerslev are both included in the starting lineup. In addition, midfielder Frank Onyeka and striker Yoane Wissa are also introduced.
The Chelsea lineup is as follows: Kepa in goal, with W. Fofana, Thiago Silva, Chalobah, and Azpilicueta (who is also the captain) in defense. Enzo, Kovacic, Chilwell, Kante, and Gallagher form the midfield, with Raheem Sterling as the lone striker.
On the bench for Chelsea are Mendy, Badiashile, Loftus-Cheek, Madueke, Mudryk, Pulisic, Ziyech, Aubameyang, and Joao Felix.
The Brentford starting lineup is as follows: Raya in goal, with Pinnock, Zanka, Mee, and Roerslev in defense. Jensen, Onyeka, Janelt, and Henry form the midfield, with Toney as the captain and Wissa as the striker.
On the bench for Brentford are Cox, Baptiste, Hickey, Stevens, Dasilva, Damsgaard, Ghoddos, Mbeumo, and Schade.
The match will be refereed by Andy Madley.
