Chelsea at Brentford predicted XI: Thomas Tuchel starts strong XI

Chelsea's English defender Ben Chilwell (R) celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's third goal during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge in London on October 2, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 02: Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea stretches for the ball whilst under pressure from Nathan Tella of Southampton during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 02, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) /

Chelsea returns after the international break on top of the Premier League table with a tough battle against west London rival Brentford to look forward to. This will no way, shape or form be an easy match for the European Champions either. The newly promoted Bees have enjoyed a stunning start to life in the top flight, sitting pretty in seventh place after seven matches. Head coach Thomas Frank is working wonders in west London, as well. Numours key Chelsea players made their way back into first team training over the last week during the international break, so let’s take a look at who might start this weekend:

Edouard Mendy (No. 16) Goalkeeper, Senegal

Edouard Mendy has three clean sheets from six league outings and considering the tough run of opponents, it’s been a steady start to the season for the Senegalese international. A total of 19 terrific saves have made Mendy undoubtedly one of the best at his position in the Premier League. Mendy should get the nod at the weekend, despite featuring for his native country during the international break.

Trevoh Chalobah (No. 14) Right centerback, England

The young up and coming centerback has made a real name for himself this season. Trevoh Chalobah scored on his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace and headed in another against Southampton before the international break. Chalobah has scored twice in just four league outings and has won 21 duels against his opponents. The youngster has earned himself another start this weekend.

Andreas Christensen (No. 4) Centerback, Denmark

The man better known as “the Danish Maldini” is a very popular figure amongst the Chelsea faithful. He has an impressive 35 recovery runs from five Premier League appearances this season. Andreas Christensen is a very underrated player by many but Man of the Match performances aplenty during Chelsea’s march toward the UEFA Champions League final last season have made the Dane a very reliable player to call upon. The late arrival back from Brazil means Thiago Silva will be a no-show at the Brentford Community Stadium this weekend and will make way for another start for Christensen.

Antonio Rudiger (No. 2) Left centerback, Germany

The German international has been in stunning form so far this season for club and country. Antonio Rudiger scored two goals in 13 matches in all competitions for club and country, not to mention a number of Man of the Match performances throughout this early season. He has made a total of 23 recovery runs and has a 57 percent successful tackle rate. Rudiger is a certain starter to keep Brendford starlet Ivan Toney quiet.

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