This afternoon’s Premier League action continues with a west London derby as the Blues seek a first Stamford Bridge triumph under new boss Liam Rosenior following a five-goal thriller in the midweek Carabao Cup semi-finals. Chelsea are eighth in the top flight but just a handful of points back from the Champions League spots, with this encounter representing a good test of Rosenior’s mettle against one of the season’s surprise packages as the Englishman marks his managerial debut in this competition.
Despite a summer of change that had many pundits predicting them to be bound for a relegation battle, Brentford instead sit fifth in the table coming into this weekend’s matches. Keith Andrews’s group, buoyed by the burgeoning goals tally of prolific frontman Igor Thiago, have improved their away record in recent weeks to embark on a five-match unbeaten run and will be expected to make life difficult for today’s hosts.
There were plenty of goals and some late drama the last time these two sides met. Will we get more of the same today? Follow Chelsea vs Brentford LIVE below in our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from our Chelsea correspondent Dom Smith at the ground.
Chelsea vs Brentford latest news
- GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Brentford: Cole Palmer converts from 12 yards after Bees error
- GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Brentford: Joao Pedro opens scoring after VAR check
- Kick-off: 3pm @ Stamford Bridge
- Chelsea team news: Palmer, James, Caicedo all return
- Brentford team news: Dango back but on bench, Henderson out
Three things we learned from Chelsea win amid fan unrest
17:44 , Alex DakersChelsea were made to work for their first Premier League win under Liam Rosenior, but the eventual routine look of a 2-0 scoreline, complete with a first clean sheet of his reign, will have hit the spot.
There were signs of things clicking on the pitch under the new boss, but some fans still weren’t happy ahead of today’s game.
Fan reaction: Happy, Blues?
17:25 , Alex DakersAppreciation post for Robert Sánchez
— CFC Plays (@CFCplays) January 17, 2026
What a performance 💙 #CFC #CHEBRE pic.twitter.com/c9LBiLnv9E
This wasn't a vintage, free flowing Chelsea performance it was gritty, reliant on Brentford's profligacy, and a bit scrappy at times but 3 points are 3 points, especially in Rosenior's league debut. It builds nicely on the 5-1 FA Cup thrashing of Charlton and shows promise in… pic.twitter.com/LLefJiNO7C
— uptown (@uptown37621186) January 17, 2026
Sanchez, Caicedo, Enzo and Joao Pedro were our best players today. The rest weren’t great, and Rosenior has to find ways to control games better. Too often we couldn’t string passes together and Brentford looked the more composed side. #CHEBRE #CFC
— CLARITY (@KICKOFFCLARITY) January 17, 2026
Chelsea player ratings vs Brentford: Enzo and Tosin star, Palmer back among goals
17:18 , Alex DakersChelsea earned their first Premier League win under Liam Rosenior as beat Brentford 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer, from the penalty spot, scored either side of the interval for the Blues.
The result saw them leapfrog the visitors into sixth place in the league.
Dom Smith was at Stamford Bridge to rate the Chelsea players’ performances; who starred, and who left something to be desired?
FT: Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
16:58 , Alex DakersMichael Kayode goes short with his throw-in for once but Brentford have no more luck with it, and that’s all we have time for.
Liam Rosenior’s first Premier League game as Chelsea head coach ends in victory!
The Bees are left ruing chances missed as their unbeaten run comes to an end.
Reaction and more to follow!
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
16:57 , Alex Dakers90+6mins: Aaron Hickey tries to bend it into the far corner with his left foot from some way out but the ball goes a yard or so wide of the left upright.
That about sums Brentford up today... close, but no cigar.
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
16:54 , Alex Dakers90+4mins: Yarmoliuk off, Brentford’s 19-year-old Romelle Donovan on for his Premier League debut.
The Bees’ latest corner is claimed by Robert Sanchez, who has done well today after a somewhat shaky midweek performance in the Carabao Cup.
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
16:52 , Alex Dakers90+2mins: A silly booking for Cole Palmer here for delaying the restart at a throw-in.
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
16:51 , Alex Dakers90mins: SEVEN minutes added on at Stamford Bridge.
Enough time for another goal (or two)?
Fan reaction: No luck for the Bees
16:48 , Alex DakersI’d love to ask the Brentford players why crossing low towards the D is the only plan they seem to have cause NO ONE IS EVER THERE.
— Adam✌️ (@poeticjustice92) January 17, 2026
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
16:46 , Alex Dakers86mins: Not long at all to go now, and at the moment it looks like the hosts are going to see this one out with that Palmer penalty having taken some of the wind out of Brentford’s sails.
The visitors really should be on the score sheet today but have been denied by the post, some good saves and some poor decision making.
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
16:45 , Alex Dakers84mins: A rash challenge by Jensen on Palmer, free-kick to Chelsea.
Liam Rosenior has the chance to replace Enzo Fernandez and Reece James and he does so, bringing on Jorrel Hato and Josh Acheampong.
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
16:44 , Alex Dakers83mins: Wesley Fofana is booked, and soon afterwards Igor Thiago forces Robert Sanchez into his latest save, this one high in the centre of the goal.
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
16:43 , Alex Dakers82mins: A double change for Brentford now, Aaron Hickey and Keane Lewis-Potter on for Rico Henry and Kevin Schade.
Dom Smith reports
16:40 , Alex DakersRosenior has now asked Hato and Acheampong to get ready to come on.
Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
16:42 , Alex Dakers77mins: Dango Ouattara, recently returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, comes in in place of Mikkel Damsgaard.
Can he spark a comeback for the Bees?
Dom Smith reports
17:28 , Alex DakersCole Palmer scores his first goal of 2026, a calendar year he will be hoping is a long way better than 2025 was individually
— Dom Smith (@MrDomSmith) January 17, 2026
GOAL! Chelsea 2-0 Brentford
16:37 , Alex Dakers76mins: Take the chance he does indeed!
Palmer sends Kelleher the wrong way from 12 yards, and Chelsea have some breathing room.
Dom Smith reports
16:36 , Alex DakersKelleher overcompensates there and concedes the penalty. He's handed Palmer a glorious chance for his first goal of 2026 - which he takes, gladly.
PENALTY! Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
16:36 , Alex Dakers75mins: And Delap wins a penalty after a defensive blunder by Brentford!
Nathan Collins plays it back to his goalie but Caoimhin Kelleher’s first touch is poor and he takes out the Chelsea striker as he tries to recover possession.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
16:35 , Alex Dakers74mins: On comes Liam Delap, in place of Joao Pedro.
Dom Smith reports
16:33 , Alex DakersHaving waited patiently all afternoon, that was Igor Thiago's chance!
Got up so well from Damsgaard's cross but plants his header wide. Brentford lively.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
16:33 , Alex Dakers72mins: When the delivery does finally come into the box, Cucurella clears the initial ball but it’s sent back in from the other side and Igor Thiago nods it wide of the far post.
Kevin Schade ended up on the ground when the initial delivery was pinged over but the contact was deemed to be accidental.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
16:32 , Alex Dakers72mins: Plenty of pushing and shoving once again before the ball can come in, and the referee has a word...
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
16:32 , Alex Dakers71mins: Up the other end now, a Brentford corner.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
16:31 , Alex Dakers70mins: Cucurella darts down the left and Michael Kayode knocks his attempted cross behind for a Chelsea corner.
Andrey Santos, who went off momentarily after receiving treatment a minute ago, comes back on.
The corner delivery comes in, but it only ends in a Brentford goalkick.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
16:28 , Alex Dakers67mins: Cucurella is booked for a cynical foul on Schade and Brentford have a free-kick.
The delivery comes in from deep but Robert Sanchez claims it.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
16:27 , Alex Dakers66mins: Palmer is fouled out on the right by Yarmoliuk as he tries to get Chelsea moving on a counter-attack.
Free-kick to the hosts but no clear chance has developed from it yet...
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
16:24 , Alex Dakers64mins: Schade threatens Chelsea’s backline again but the ball gets away from him and the Blues clear.
Dom Smith reports
16:22 , Alex DakersLiam Rosenior has just called for Liam Delap. The striker could be coming on soon.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
16:21 , Alex Dakers61mins: Vitaly Janelt’s effort is deflected behind for another Brentford corner, but nothing comes of it.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
16:17 , Alex Dakers57mins: Alejandro Garnacho joins Tosin - who received some treatment but is walking to the touchline unaided - in going off, with Andrey Santos and Wesley Fofana coming on.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
16:17 , Alex Dakers56mins: Tosin Adarabioyo has gone down grimacing with what seems like an ankle injury and it looks like he’ll be coming off as Chelsea make some changes.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
16:15 , Alex Dakers55mins: Brentford keep knocking on the door and this time it’s Cole Palmer, back inside his own box, who intercepts a cross to concede a corner.
That’s delivered, but there’s too much on it and the ball ends up in Robert Sanchez’s hands.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
16:12 , Alex Dakers52mins: The Bees are unsuccessful from the corner and a few follow-up balls into the box, which are defended well by Chelsea.
Dom Smith reports
16:11 , Alex DakersIt's been a tough week for Robert Sanchez after his two howlers against Arsenal, but that's his second world-class save with his legs in that time - one to deny Merino, now to deny Schade.
Outstanding.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
16:11 , Alex Dakers50mins: CLOSE!
Kevin Schade, one of Brentford’s most threatening players as always, bears down on Robert Sanchez and tries to beat the onrushing Chelsea ‘keeper and slot the ball into the bottom right corner but Sanchez makes a good save to his left and concedes a corner.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
16:10 , Alex Dakers49mins: Enzo Fernandez, having started deeper alongside Moises Caicedo, looks to be pushing forward alongside Cole Palmer in the early stages of this second half as Pedro Neto fires high and wide.
Back underway!
16:06 , Alex DakersChelsea 1-0 Brentford
We go again at Stamford Bridge with both sides unchanged for now.
First half: Brentford bossing the stats
16:03 , Alex DakersWill the Bees find a goal in the second half? They’ve come close on several occasions.
Brentford have more
— StatMuse FC (@statmusefc) January 17, 2026
shots
shots on target
chances created
key passes
touches in opponent's box
than Chelsea at half time. pic.twitter.com/ELMy7AeUpe
Fan reaction: The first half
15:59 , Alex DakersHere’s what some of you have had to say about that end-to-end first half.
Let us know your thoughts by commenting using the button above this blog, or on X/Twitter with the hashtag #CHEBRE.
Reece James' corners are becoming increasingly horrendous.
— Ola Banger (@OlaBanger) January 17, 2026
This near post nonsense has to cease.#CHEBRE
People will take aim at Garnacho for the miss, but I'd still say he had a decent first half. You can't fault the guy for working hard and always trying to make something happen down the side. Our defending still looks very suspect. That's what concerns me much more. #CFC #CHEBRE
— Tom Andrews (@CarefreeTom_182) January 17, 2026
Cole Palmer, not doing too much. Man's not physically fit for this game. You can see him struggling. #CHEBRE
— eL azuani (@el_azuani) January 17, 2026
Brentford are going to score. It's just a question of whether we score again before they do.
— PR (@Rodneyy_y) January 17, 2026
At the rate it's going Brentford will score, just blind luck that they haven't. The football from Chelsea has been poor, Palmer isn't playing well again and there's actually no patterns in play.
— JP (@Reaper8866) January 17, 2026
HT: Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
15:51 , Alex DakersNothing comes of the corner, and that’s all from a first half full of chances - most of them missed!
Back shortly.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
15:50 , Alex Dakers45+3mins: Igor Thiago squares it for Yehor Yarmoliuk but the Brentford midfielder can’t get his shot away quick enough and it’s blocked out for a corner.
VAR clears a Reece James challenge that left Kevin Schade on the turf in the box.
Vitaly Janelt is booked for dissent, presumably for protesting that call.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
15:47 , Alex Dakers45mins: Three minutes of stoppage time before the break.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
15:45 , Alex Dakers44mins: CLOSE!
Brilliant work by Pedro Neto, who puts it on a plate for Garnacho with a low driven cross but the Argentine can’t finish from a few yards out, knocking it wide to the left.
He had to hit it first time at close to full speed, to be fair, but that’s not quite the level of shooting that helped him score a brace against the country’s best backline a few days ago.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
15:43 , Alex Dakers42mins: ... yikes.
Reeces James hits an inswinger towards the near post but hits the side netting instead.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
15:42 , Alex Dakers41mins: Brentford get back in numbers to stop a Chelsea counter-attack, and Michael Kayode blocks an attempted cross from Alejandro Garnacho.
Corner to the Blues...
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
15:41 , Alex Dakers40mins: Mere minutes later, Jensen has himself another opportunity inside the area but Sanchez makes the stop.
Dom Smith reports
15:41 , Alex DakersJensen hits that volley sweetly. But all the more reason he should score it. Off the post, and Chelsea survive.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
15:40 , Alex Dakers38mins: OFF THE POST!
Chelsea completely switch off at the resulting set-piece, allowing Damsgaard to flick it on for Mathis Jensen who clips the outside of the post with his volley.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
15:39 , Alex Dakers38mins: Cucurella is penalised now, for a foul on Igor Thiago.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
15:38 , Alex Dakers36mins: The delivery comes in from Janelt, Schade heads it narrowly wide but claims he was fouled by Enzo Fernandez before he could do so. VAR says there’s not enough there for a penalty.
Cucurella has a few things to say and is shoved off by Schade, who is shown a yellow card.
Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
15:36 , Alex Dakers35mins: Cucurella concedes a corner under pressure.
A chance for Brentford to get back into this as we approach half-time? They’ve been arguably the more threatening team.
Dom Smith reports
15:34 , Alex DakersEverything Chelsea do is going through Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the park right now.
GOAL! Chelsea 1-0 Brentford
15:33 , Alex Dakers27mins: The on-pitch offside call is overruled, and Chelsea lead through Joao Pedro!
Enzo Fernandez with the assist, having pressed well to win the ball back.
Dom Smith reports
15:31 , Alex DakersThe offside flag has gone up after an unerring finish from Joao Pedro. It's VERY tight.
OFFSIDE CHECK: Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
15:27 , Alex Dakers26mins: Chelsea win it back on the edge of Brentford’s area, the ball falls to Joao Pedro and the Brazilian rifles it high into the net, but he looks like he’s just about offside there, the linesman has deemed.
VAR are checking...
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
15:26 , Alex Dakers25mins: “Shoot!” screams the Chelsea crowd at Enzo Fernandez, but he doesn’t, instead trying to work his way closer to Brentford’s goal and ending up dispossessed.
Dom Smith reports
15:23 , Alex DakersHow did Brentford not score there?! Remarkable.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
15:23 , Alex Dakers21mins: CLOSE!
Sloppy passing by Chelsea in their own half sees the ball intercepted by Brentford, who play it forward quickly through Thiago to Schade.
The winger does well to cut back onto his left foot in the box, leaving himself facing only Robert Sanchez and the goalmouth, but inexplicably chooses to try and play it across to the on-rushing Mikkel Damsgaard, allowing Chelsea’s backtracking defenders to hoof it clear.
Tosin Adarabioyo nearly knocks the ball into his own net before Sanchez tips it away and Reece James gets his laces behind the clearance.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
15:21 , Alex Dakers19mins: Schade wins a free-kick just inside Chelsea’s half after being fouled by Moises Caicedo.
It comes to nothing, though, and the Bees are forced back into their own territory for now.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
15:19 , Alex Dakers18mins: Chelsea win their first corner, go short with it and the ball ends up getting worked all the way back to Robert Sanchez without ever being delivered into the box!
That’s met with some groans from the home support.
Fan reaction: Pen or no pen?
15:18 , Alex DakersSome fan reaction to that penalty appeal from a few minutes ago...
🚨⚽ #CHEBRE
— SportsHub__Redhawks07 (@SportsHub_Red07) January 17, 2026
Challenge on Joao Pedro !! But No Foul !! What's your thought???
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford pic.twitter.com/iM2LD7sGsi
Joao Pedro wants a penalty but the referee isn't having that, that's not a penalty #CHEBRE
— Nonso (@maxnonso) January 17, 2026
Kick in the heel with no touch on the ball. How is that not a penalty? Being a Chelsea fan means getting no VAR calls in your favor. #CHEBRE
— JN SHINE (@ItsStarBoyKE) January 17, 2026
Dom Smith reports
15:16 , Alex DakersFirst sight of goal of the afternoon for Palmer, who fires over.
That chance was set up by Neto but it was made by the raking long pass from Sanchez, which was measured to perfection. A fine long pass by the goalkeeper.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
15:16 , Alex Dakers15mins: Cole Palmer goes close!
The England international receives from Pedro Neto and has a go from outside the area, but it’s too high.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
15:15 , Alex Dakers14mins: There’s some pushing and shoving, with Enzo Fernandez ending up on the deck as the ball is delivered, and Chelsea have possession back.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
15:14 , Alex Dakers13mins: Up the other end, the pacey Kevin Schade wins a corner - our first of the afternoon - off Trevoh Chalobah.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
15:13 , Alex Dakers11mins: The Blues with some good pressing now as Alejandro Garnacho nearly pounces on a slightly slack back-pass by Brentford skipper Nathan Collins.
Chelsea’s next foray forward ends with Joao Pedro hitting the turf in the penalty area, but he was definitely trailing his leg behind him there despite there being some contact.
Referee says no obvious foul and no penalty, VAR agrees.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
15:11 , Alex Dakers10mins: Foul by Kayode on Garnacho and the Bees press high as Chelsea try to play out from the back.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
15:10 , Alex Dakers8mins: As Dom says, that heaved delivery from Michael Kayode was nodded back out of Chelsea’s penalty box with relative ease this time.
One of those led to a late equaliser last time these two sides came up against each other, though, which Liam Rosenior and his coaching staff will be well aware of.
Dom Smith reports
15:09 , Alex DakersThere's the first Brentford long throw... and there's what Tosin is in there to do: head it clear.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
15:08 , Alex Dakers7mins: More possession for Chelsea now as the Blues play it left to right and back again, searching for a way through Brentford who eventually win the ball and clear it.
They win a throw-in...
Fan reaction: Bees' bright start
15:05 , Alex DakersCan really see those immediate progressive passes that Keith wants when attacking transitional moments. Brentford's four man midfield swarming everything right now. #CHEBRE #BrentfordFC
— Bees Breakdown (@BeesBreakdown) January 17, 2026
Yeah Garnacho v Kayode is not gonna be pretty today...
— JHarrisCFC (@JHarrisCFC) January 17, 2026
For us.#CHEBRE
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
15:04 , Alex Dakers3mins: Michael Kayode floats a dangerous cross over Chelsea’s box from the right byline but it goes beyond Igor Thiago.
Chelsea 0-0 Brentford
15:03 , Alex Dakers1mins: Kevin Schade is played through by Mikkel Damsgaard for any early chance but the visiting left-winger sees his effort saved by Robert Sanchez.
KICK-OFF!
15:01 , Alex DakersUnderway at Stamford Bridge!
A big three points on offer for both teams in this west London derby - to halt the slide for Chelsea, or continue Brentford’s climb up the Premier League table.
Let’s have it!
Out on the pitch
14:57 , Alex DakersAnd here they come!
Players in the tunnel
14:56 , Alex DakersBoth teams are in the tunnel at Stamford Bridge now.
Here we go!
Fan thoughts: Sanchez low on confidence, no love for Fofana?
14:50 , Alex DakersSome more Chelsea fan reaction here, with questions raised over the inclusion of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez - who didn’t have his best game for the Blues during the week - and exclusion of centre-back Wesley Fofana.
Agree or disagree? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter/X!
Based on Sánchez’s facial expression… are we sure Chelsea are winning this? 🤔
— MoisesKaicedo (@Moiseskaicedo) January 17, 2026
#CHEBRE pic.twitter.com/oILF4CEX8t
Fofana is clearly our best CB and still barely gets a look in #CHEBRE
— Andy Brzezicki (@Andrewbrzezicki) January 17, 2026
Countdown to kick-off
14:45 , Alex Dakers15 minutes until kick-off at Stamford Bridge!
Fan thoughts: Palmer to get back on track?
14:38 , Alex DakersHaving struggled with injury for much of the season, Cole Palmer has scored just three goals in his 11 Premier League appearances so far.
Will he step up today for Chelsea? His presence seemed to re-energise the Blues last time against Brentford...
Palmer needs to step up today.#CHEBRE #CFC
— Osuwa✨🔥 (@kurogha38069) January 17, 2026
The Premier League as it stands
14:35 , Alex DakersA huge win for Manchester United over derby rivals Manchester City just now has seen the Red Devils jump up to fourth in the Premier League as things stand.
That result drops Brentford down to sixth, while Chelsea stay eighth for the time being. These two sides could end the day as high as fourth (Brentford) or sixth (Chelsea) depending on results elsewhere.
There really isn’t much in it between many of these top-flight teams at the moment!
Fan thoughts: Anti-protest?
14:34 , Alex DakersIt seems not everyone agrees with the decision of some Chelsea fans to stage an anti-ownership protest outside Stamford Bridge today ahead of kick-off:
Personally I thought that protest today was quite embarrassing. #Chelsea #CheBre
— Neil Wolstenholme (@NWolstenholme) January 17, 2026
Pre-match analysis: Set-pieces to prove pivotal?
14:29 , Alex DakersIn Michael Kayode, Mathias Jensen, Kevin Schade and Ethan Pinnock, Brentford possess four long-throw specialists — and it is a trick they have used numerous times to good effect during a season which has become dominated by set-piece specialisms and marginal gains, writes Dom Smith.
Brentford used to work with long-throw specialist Thomas Gronnemark, just hired by Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, and, before that, with Bernardo Cueva — the set-piece coach bought out of his Brentford contract by Chelsea in the summer of 2024 at the cost of almost £750,000. Set plays are big money.
And on Wednesday for Chelsea they were big problems, too, as a Robert Sanchez blunder from a Declan Rice corner allowed Ben White to head home the opener in a Carabao Cup semi-final first leg tie that marked Rosenior’s first defeat in the Chelsea job, and on debut at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s players worked closely with Cueva ahead of the Arsenal match on corners — and they have spent time this week trying to prepare for Brentford and their long-throw threat.
“We will [work on it],” Rosenior said on Thursday. “We did against Arsenal. We spent a lot of time defending corners. It didn't work because they scored.
“We prepare for everything. There's no stone left unturned, not just from me but from all of my staff. I'm aware of the threats that Brentford bring, and I'm sure they're aware of the ones that we do too.”
It is important Chelsea remember that fact. Lower in the table they may be, and long-throw specialists they may not be, but the Blues will be favourites at Stamford Bridge and showed enough attacking intent and quality in the second half against Arsenal to give Brentford plenty to think about.
There could be welcome news for Rosenior, too, with Cole Palmer back in training on Thursday a day early and captain Reece James also returning to full sessions with the group. For Rosenior, most welcome of all, though, would be victory on his Premier League debut as a head coach.
Match preview: Chelsea vs Brentford
14:25 , Alex DakersStandard Sport’s Chelsea correspondent, Dom Smith, has given us his pre-match thoughts live from Stamford Bridge:
"Chelsea will be hoping to defend against Brentford's long-throw threat better than they defended corners on Wednesday."
— Standard Sport (@standardsport) January 17, 2026
🗣️ @MrDomSmith previews today's west London derby.
JOIN US LIVE: https://t.co/fOFqA6zj0y#CHEBRE pic.twitter.com/8cSeKiYj0p
Dom Smith reports
14:16 , Alex DakersAnd some colour on what’s going on from our man on the ground:
Chelsea protest against the BlueCo ownership slowly building. Chants here of “Roman Abramovich”, “We want our Chelsea back”, and “We don’t care about Clearlake”. #CFC pic.twitter.com/jqOsQOtaR8
— Dom Smith (@MrDomSmith) January 17, 2026
In pictures: Chelsea fan protests
14:15 , Alex DakersSome more images are coming through now of those pre-match fan protests being staged by some of the home support outside Stamford Bridge:
Brentford's new striker
14:08 , Alex DakersIt’s 16-goal striker Igor Thiago who starts for Brentford today, but new arrival Kaye Furo is named among the substitutes.
One for the future, undoubtedly, but could the 18-year-old - signed this week from Club Brugge, from where the Bees also picked up Thiago in 2024 - make his Premier League debut off the bench today?
👋 @kayefuro straight into the squad@cazoohelp | #CHEBRE pic.twitter.com/PvahTam7W7
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 17, 2026
On arrival
14:02 , Alex DakersHere they come. 👊#CFC | #CHEBRE pic.twitter.com/kA1X6yVYLR
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 17, 2026
Bees at the Bridge 🐝@Cazoohelp | #CHEBRE pic.twitter.com/w8KUHRIjln
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 17, 2026
Dom Smith reports
13:49 , Alex DakersSo some good news for Chelsea in that Palmer and James are back fit and start. There is a place on the bench for Delap following a return from illness, too.
Estevao misses out.
Brentford confirmed team news in full
13:54 , Alex DakersBrentford XI: Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Collins, Henry; Janelt, Yarmoliuk; Jensen, Damsgaard, Schade; Thiago
Subs: Valdimarsson, Hickey, van den Berg, Pinnock, Belson, Ouattara, Lewis-Potter, Donovan, Furo
Chelsea confirmed team news in full
13:49 , Alex DakersChelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; J. Pedro
Subs: Jorgensen, Acheampong, Fofana, Badiashile, Hato, A.Santos, George, Delap Guiu
Brentford starting line-up and subs
13:47 , Alex DakersYour Bees to take on Chelsea 🐝 pic.twitter.com/KClOtpllVN
— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) January 17, 2026
Chelsea starting line-up and subs
13:47 , Alex DakersThe team news is in!
Lining up for the Blues... ✊#CFC | #CHEBRE pic.twitter.com/4IyMWNnNzW
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 17, 2026
Brentford predicted line-up
13:46 , Alex DakersDango Ouattara’s return from AFCON is a huge boost for Brentford.
The Bees have done well even in his absence, but the tricky winger - before jetting off on international duty - has already won four penalties this season, the most of any Premier League player, and we know striker Igor Thiago is adept at tucking them away from 12 yards.
Whether there will be an immediate start for Dango is another question, as Keith Andrews could opt to stick with the same side that defeated Sunderland last time out or indeed a 5-3-2 led by Kevin Schade and Thiago as he did when Brentford last faced Chelsea back in September, resulting in a 2-2 draw.
Predicted Brentford XI (5-3-2): Kelleher; Kayode, Ajer, Collins, Van den Berg, Henry; Yarmolyuk, Janelt, Jensen; Thiago, Schade
Injured: Carvalho, Dasilva, Milambo
Doubts: Henderson, Ouattara
Dom Smith reports
13:35 , Alex DakersHere’s the latest from our Chelsea correspondent, reporting live from Stamford Bridge:
Chelsea had plenty of absentees on Wednesday against Arsenal but there might be good news to come.
I have just spotted Cole Palmer, Reece James and Liam Delap arrive on the team bus. Delap was ill this week with flu. Palmer returned to training on Thursday, a day early.
Meanwhile, here are a few pictures of those fan protests:
Chelsea protest in progress
13:29 , Alex DakersThere’s some discontentment at the moment among portions of the Chelsea fanbase, some of whom have staged a protest outside Stamford Bridge.
Will the Blues quell that unrest with a win today?
🚨 The Chelsea protest has begun!
— Chelsea Dodgers (@TheBlueDodger) January 17, 2026
Chants of “We want our Chelsea back” and “Roman Abramovich” at a protest against the owners by fans outside Stamford Bridge!
(@SamJDean) #CFCpic.twitter.com/mAphT1W7k4
Fan thoughts
13:25 , Alex DakersOur prediction is slightly different to some others we’ve seen floating around online, including that of Chelsea podcast ‘From The Shed End’.
What do you think, Chelsea fans? Have your say by leaving a comment above!
🚨👥 Both @TheoCartz & @CescyTime have picked their preferred Chelsea XI to face Brentford:
— From The Shed End (@FromTheShedEnd) January 17, 2026
🔹️ With many players having just returned from injury or illness, we've picked Enzo as the 10 and João Pedro as the striker.
Do you agree with our choices? 👍🏼 or 👎🏼#CFC | #CHEBRE pic.twitter.com/ji5teLXNqH
Chelsea predicted line-up: Rosenior boosted by returning starpower?
13:20 , Alex DakersWith confirmed team news on the way shortly, let’s make some line-up predictions!
As mentioned earlier, Chelsea should welcome back some key players for today’s latest London derby against Brentford, but there is a virus spreading through camp.
Cole Palmer and Reece James missed both of new head coach Liam Rosenior’s first two matches in charge of the club, against Charlton and Arsenal in the cups.
Palmer was initially expected to return to Chelsea training on Friday ahead of potentially facing the Bees, but he and captain James were both involved in Thursday’s session at Cobham in a boost to their chances of being involved at the weekend.
James took a blow to the hip, while Palmer’s issue was his thigh. Malo Gusto has also missed both of Rosenior’s first two matches and is behind Palmer and James in his recovery.
Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens are also doubts because of a virus that has broken out at the Chelsea training ground, which kept them both sidelined against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg tie and is also now affecting several staff members.
Neither player was involved in training on Thursday as they remained at home with the club seeking to keep those suffering from illness away from the rest of the squad.
Moises Caicedo was suspended against Arsenal but is back available to face Brentford, while there remains no timeframe for Romeo Lavia’s return from a quad injury despite him starting to train away from the main group on Thursday.
Levi Colwill (knee) remains a long-term absentee and Mykhailo Mudryk is still unavailable for selection.
Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro
Injured: Colwill, Lavia
Doubts: Gusto, Palmer, James, Delap, Gittens
Preview: Rosenior has opportunity to right wrongs of Bridge bow
13:10 , Alex DakersIt’s been a unique beginning for Liam Rosenior at Chelsea, writes Dom Smith.
Taking in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Premier League and, next, the Champions League, Rosenior’s first four matches in charge of the Blues come in four different competitions, a varied start to a job many of his predecessors have found to be like no other.
Premier League form will be the yardstick against which Rosenior’s success at Chelsea will be most measured, though, and a win against the in-form Brentford in Saturday’s west London derby would prove the perfect start.
Rosenior and Brentford head coach Keith Andrews, young coaches by Premier League standards, are separated in age by just four years and played against each other in 2011 when Rosenior’s Hull beat Ipswich.
Andrews this season has already shown he can hack it at the highest level, far exceeding pre-season predictions of a relegation battle.
Brentford sit fifth in the standings, and a big part of their success this season has been set-pieces. Chelsea know this all too well, having conceded a stoppage-time equaliser to Fabio Carvalho in September’s 2-2 draw at the Gtech, a goal which came from one of the Bees’ famed long-throw routines.
Chelsea vs Brentford match odds
13:05 , Alex DakersChelsea to win: 5/6
Brentford to win: 16/5
Draw: 29/10
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Click here to read the full blog on The The Standard's website
