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English League Cup action returns this week for the quarter-final fixtures and in one of the two all-London fixtures, Brentford host Chelsea at the Brentford Community Stadium on Wednesday.
Brentford overcame Stoke City in their round of 16 fixture, beating the Championship side 2-1 in an away game. Chelsea, on the other hand, secured a place in the last eight of the competition by beating Southampton 4-3 on penalties.
The hosts head into the clash well-rested, as their last two Premier League games were postponed on account of rising COVID-19 cases. Chelsea were held to a goalless draw by Wolverhampton Wanderers in their Premier League clash on Sunday, as four players were ruled out on account of testing positive for COVID-19.
Brentford vs Chelsea Head-to-Head
There have been 15 meetings between the two sides across all competitions. This will be the first encounter in the League Cup between the two London clubs.
As expected, Chelsea have the upper hand in this fixture and have nine wins to their name. The hosts have managed to record a win over the Blues just four times, with their last win coming in 1939.
The spoils have been shared twice in this fixture. They last squared off in Premier League action in October at Wednesday's venue. Chelsea eked out a narrow 1-0 win thanks to Ben Chilwell's 45th-minute strike.
Brentford form guide (Premier League): W-D-L-W-D
Chelsea form guide (all competitions): D-D-W-D-L
Brentford vs Chelsea Team News
Brentford
David Raya is a long-term absentee on account of an ACL injury for the Bees. As many as 13 staff members and players tested positive for COVID-19 last week, which is expected to affect their performance here.
Injuries: David Raya, Kristoffer Ajer, Josh Dasilva, Julian Jeanvier
Doubtful: Ethan Pinnock, Mathias Jorgensen, Ivan Toney
Suspension: None
Chelsea
Jorginho is back in training after testing negative for COVID-19. He is unlikely to start, but will be available on the bench if needed.
Ben Chilwell is injured and will not be available for the game, while Trevoh Chalobah and Hakim Ziyech are doubtful.
Injuries: Ben Chilwell
Doubtful: Trevoh Chalobah, Hakim Ziyech
Suspension: None
Unavailable (COVID-19): Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Jorginho
Brentford vs Chelsea Predicted XI
Brentford Predicted XI (3-5-2): Alvaro Fernandez; Dominic Thompson, Pontus Jansson, Charlie Goode; Christian Nørgaard, Frank Onyeka, Mads Bidstrup, Vitaly Janelt, Rico Henry; Yoann Wissa, Marcus Forss
Chelsea Predicted XI (3-5-2): Edouard Mendy; Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger; Marcos Alonso, N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovačić, Saul, Reece James; Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic
Brentford vs Chelsea Prediction
Brentford have lost four games at home across all competitions but against a weakened Chelsea side, they will hope to secure their first win over the London giants in over 80 years.
Injuries and COVID-19 cases have mounted for Chelsea this month, but they pack enough punch to record a narrow win over their city rivals.
Prediction: Brentford 1-2 Chelsea
