Brentford and Chelsea meet in a west London Premier League fixture on Friday, September 18, at the Gtech Community Stadium, separated by just one point in the table and five miles between their grounds, as Brentford enters on a 10-game unbeaten run.
Geography and current form collide on Friday night as Chelsea make the short trip across west London to face undefeated Brentford. Just one point divides the two close neighbours in the Premier League table, with just five miles separating the two clubs’ stadiums. The momentum heading into the Gtech Community Stadium points firmly toward the home side.
Contrasting Styles and Recent Form at the Gtech Community Stadium
Brentford enters Friday’s match on the back of a 10-game unbeaten run. Keith Andrews has forged a team with a clear identity and playing style. The Bees defeated Reading 2-1 in the Carabao Cup in midweek following three consecutive Premier League draws. Brentford has scored 12 goals in their last five outings in all competitions and will pose Chelsea a problem through their swiftness on the break and prowess from set pieces.
The same can’t yet be said for Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea, who are looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League. Alonso’s side won their first two games of the top-flight campaign before emerging with credit from a 2-1 loss to reigning champions Arsenal. While Alonso has undeniably energised the Blues as an attacking force, demonstrated by Chelsea’s 15 goals in just five games, their defensive record has undermined their efforts. Indeed, Chelsea have conceded at least twice in each of their Premier League matches this season. It’s this defensive vulnerability that will surely hold back the Blues from challenging for the title, with last weekend’s 2-2 home draw against Hull City — a surprise package — changing the mood around Stamford Bridge, further checking their momentum after Brentford’s own midweek cup exploits.
Players to Watch and the £117m fee Investment
The player to watch is Morgan Rogers, Chelsea. Seven goal contributions in six games has gone some way to repaying the £117m fee Chelsea paid to sign Rogers from Aston Villa in the summer. The England international already looks at home playing for his new club. Nonetheless, Chelsea have the attacking potency and individual quality to harm any opponent, making Friday’s fixture a compelling encounter.
Keith Andrews’ side will be keen to pose questions of the Blues’ porous defence. Defeat to the Bees would change perceptions over Chelsea’s start to life under Alonso.
Broadcast Networks and Kick-Off Details for Friday Night
Here is your complete guide on how to watch today’s Premier League fixture, including kick-off times, broadcast networks, and online streaming options. This Premier League clash takes place at the Gtech Community Stadium in London, England and kicks off on Friday, September 18 at 8:00 p.m. local time (8pm BST / 3pm ET). Here is how that time translates across the U.S.: Eastern Time at 3:00 p.m., Central Time at 2:00 p.m., Mountain Time at 1:00 p.m., and Pacific Time at 12:00 p.m.
For viewers in the United States, this game is available for live TV broadcast on USA Network. Streaming is available on DIRECTV and Fubo. Canada viewers can stream on Fubo, and fans in the United Kingdom can watch on Sky Sports Main Event.