Chelsea travel to Brentford on Friday night looking to end a two-match winless Premier League run, with Danny Welbeck set to lead the line in the absence of João Pedro.

The Blues drew 2–2 with Hull City in their previous league match and arrived at the Gtech Community Stadium dealing with a number of fitness concerns. João Pedro and Reece James were ruled out through injury, while Moisés Caicedo, Marco Palestra, Emmanuel Emegha and Jordan Henderson had all faced late fitness assessments.

Welbeck has made an immediate impact following his move to Chelsea, scoring three goals in his first two starts. The former England international also has a strong record against Brentford, scoring six goals in nine appearances and finding the net in each of his past three matches against the Bees.

Emiliano Martínez started in goal, protected by a three-man defence of Wesley Fofana, Maxence Lacroix and Levi Colwill. Pedro Neto and Pep Chavarría were selected as wing-backs, while Henderson and Valentin Barco formed the central midfield partnership.

Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers supported Welbeck in attack as Xabi Alonso looked for a response from his side following consecutive disappointing league results.

Brentford named a strong attacking lineup of their own, with Kevin Schade, Jaidon Anthony and Igor Thiago leading the hosts’ forward threat. Thiago’s physical presence provided a key test for Chelsea’s centre-backs, particularly Fofana and Lacroix.

Chelsea knew a victory would give them momentum before the international break, while Brentford aimed to preserve an unbeaten league start after opening the season with a 3–0 win over Tottenham and following it with three draws.