Mauricio Pochettino has dropped an early team news hint ahead of Chelsea’s Premier League clash against Brentford this weekend. The Blues have taken seven points from their last three league fixtures and come into the game hoping to maintain their unbeaten run.
Pochettino is clearly aware of Brentford’s threats and knows his team will be in for a tough test. When asked about the difference between facing Thomas Frank’s side compared to Arsenal, Pochettino replied: “Of course, it is different.
“We need to pay attention to different characteristics, maybe they use a different shape to play against us. For sure it is two different ideas and philosophies and it is always a different challenge.”
“We need to pay attention to different characteristics, maybe they use a different shape to play against us. For sure it is two different ideas and philosophies and it is always a different challenge.”
Chelsea will take a lot of positives from their 2-2 draw against the Gunners last weekend, with Marc Cucurella, Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher and Mykhailo Mudryk all impressing. The Blues were also boosted by the return of club captain Reece James after he recovered from a hamstring injury that kept him sidelined since the start of the season.
However, Pochettino revealed that James will not start against Brentford as Chelsea continue to manage his fitness. “No, he’s still not ready to start,” the Blues boss said.
“I think he is doing well. Training really well but at the moment, tomorrow he will still be on the bench.”
Therefore, it is likely that Malo Gusto – who enjoyed a strong performance against Arsenal despite switching off for Leandro Trossard’s equaliser – will continue on at right-back. Elsewhere, you would expect Palmer to continue on in attack due to his recent good form whilst Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Gallagher are all likely to line up in midfield.
