Brentford vs Chelsea: 5 players that should interest you

September 18, 2026 Olaoluwa Nwobodo 0 Comments

Chelsea is in another six pointer, this time with the team one place below in 7th place. Brentford did not start well, but it says a lot that it’s now so close to the Blues on the table. Xabi Alonso’s men, meanwhile, kept slipping further down the table until finding themselves here.

Brentford has gathered just six points in four games so far, while Chelsea, being one of the top scorers, has only gathered seven points.

For Chelsea, a major issue is the defending, having conceded nine goals in four games. Brentford has conceded just four in the same period. The Blues, however, have scored 3 more goals (10) than Keith Andrew’s side.

This is going to be difficult, for both teams. Both clubs have recorded stalemates in three of their last five Premier League games. Therefore, here are five players to keep an eye on, that have the potential to decide the result.

1. Vitaly Janelt: Central midfielder, Brentford

Brentford has not been excellent attacking wise, but they have been relatively good defensively, and Janelt should get a large portion of the praise.

The German ranks highest for successful tackles in his team, and fourth highest in the league (3.5). His work rate in the centre of the park is obvious. He also ranks highest in the league for interceptions, making four every game, which is just mind-bending. With Chelsea’s midfield issues, Janelt will play a role in deciding how the game goes.

2. Caoimhin Kelleher: Goalkeeper, Brentford

The keeper is the last line of defense, and with Chelsea being one of the best attacks in the league, Kelleher should expect to be a main factor.

The former Liverpool keeper is averaging an impressive 3.8 saves per game, at a ridiculous 79% rate. He’s a major reason the Bees have kept their “goals against” column looking respectable. Brentford needs him on top of his game, as usual, if they’re going to come out of this with the desired result.

3. Kevin Schade: Striker, Brentford

Schade ranks second for goals scored in the league (3), with only Erling Haaland (4) scoring more. Interestingly, he has as many goals as Chelsea’s top scorer.

With Alonso’s questionable defensive structure, someone with Schade’s quality could really tuck in and eat.

4. Morgan Rogers: Attacking midfielder, Chelsea

Rogers came in for big money, putting the spotlight on him straightaway. He has not wilted under it. The England international has been one of Chelsea’s most influential players since coming in.

With three goals and an assist, he has contributed to Chelsea’s attack being one of the best in the league so far. He leads the team in chances created, and ranks second for big chances created.

With Brentford having a relatively solid defense, Rogers would need to be on top of his game to subdue them.

5. Cole Palmer: Attacking midfielder, Chelsea

Palmer, like Rogers, has contributed four goal involvements, with only Joao Pedro contributing more than him.

The former Manchester City midfielder leads the team in big chances created, and has been very good in the final third. He cannot afford to have an off-day against Brentford away.

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Conclusion

We obviously cannot cover every player we expect to have an effect, but these five will play big roles. The coaches will also have to develop airtight tactical game plans to avoid getting embarrassed. Both teams need this win, and could use all the help they can get. Alonso, of course, knows that the result depends largely on whether he can prevent his boys from conceding needless goals.