Premier League betting tips: Brentford vs Chelsea - Goals expected in west London derby
Brentford welcome Chelsea to the Gtech Community Stadium on Friday night in a west London derby that could provide another high-scoring Premier League contest.
Chelsea have shown plenty of attacking quality under Xabi Alonso, but their defensive problems have continued into the new campaign.
Brentford, meanwhile, remain unbeaten after four league games and have already demonstrated that they can compete with some of the division's stronger sides.
Odds provided by Sporting Bet.
Suggested bets
Prediction: Brentford 2-2 Chelsea
Best bet: Both teams to score – Yes @ 1.41
Value bet: Draw @ 3.75
Alternative: Chelsea to win & BTTS @ 3.40
Anytime goalscorer: Igor Thiago @ 2.15
Brentford's unbeaten start
Keith Andrews' Brentford have collected six points from their opening four Premier League matches, including an impressive 3-0 home win over Tottenham.
The Bees have since drawn with Leeds, Sunderland and Bournemouth, with the latter ending 2-2 last weekend. They also progressed in the Carabao Cup this week after beating Reading.
Brentford have developed into a well-rounded side under Andrews, with their threat from set pieces complementing an increasingly dangerous attack.
Igor Thiago and Kevin Schade have provided a particular threat in the final third.
Chelsea will have to be wary of that threat, particularly given their own defensive record.
Chelsea's attack can cause problems
There is little doubt about Chelsea's attacking capabilities. Their opening four Premier League fixtures have produced 19 goals, with the Blues scoring 10 and conceding nine.
They were held to a 2-2 draw by newly promoted Hull City last weekend despite taking the lead twice, extending their run without a Premier League clean sheet.
Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and João Pedro have given Alonso plenty of attacking options, although Pedro is now a doubt after withdrawing from Brazil's squad with an unspecified injury.
That makes this a particularly interesting match-up.
Chelsea should have enough quality to create chances, but Brentford have the organisation and attacking threat to expose the visitors at the other end.
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Predicted line-ups
Brentford have several injury concerns, including Nathan Collins, Joshua Dasilva, Antoni Milambo and Sepp van den Berg, while Mathias Jensen is doubtful.
Predicted Brentford XI: Kelleher; Kayode, Schuster, Ajer, Lewis-Potter; Sangaré, Janelt; Anthony, Yarmoliuk, Schade; Thiago.
Chelsea could have Moisés Caicedo and Jordan Henderson available, although both require fitness checks. Pedro's injury situation is another key consideration.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Martínez; Gusto, Lacroix, Colwill, Hato; James, Lavia; Neto, Palmer, Rogers; Pedro.
Brentford vs Chelsea prediction
The BTTS Yes price of 1.41 is short, but the underlying numbers make goals at both ends difficult to ignore.
Brentford have scored in seven of their last eight matches, while Chelsea have conceded in every Premier League game this season.
The draw also appeals at 3.75, particularly with the Bees unbeaten and the last four meetings between these sides at Brentford ending level.
Chelsea's attacking quality could ultimately get them over the line, but Brentford's home advantage and defensive stability make this a difficult fixture for Alonso's side.
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