Chelseavs.Brentford

The Blues are hoping to defend their second position in the Premier League table by toppling their fellow free-scoring West London neighbours at Stamford Bridge.

Thomas Frank's team possess the joint-second best attacking record in the division with 31 goals, four short of the total of their hosts.

Chelsea have netted 12 times in recent victories over Aston Villa, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, helped by Palmer's relentless contributions in the final third.

Already with 11 goals and six assists in the Premier League during 2024-25, the England international has an opportunity to post more record-equalling numbers in the game versus the Bees.

Salah feat in sight

Palmer has already recorded more goals and assists in a calendar year in Premier League fixtures than any other Chelsea player in history, recently surpassing Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.

A total of 25 goals and 13 assists have come during 2024, taking the 22-year-old within touching distance of becoming the next player to achieve 40 such goal contributions in a Premier League calendar year.

The last player to achieve that feat was Salah back in 2018, the Egypt international chipping in with 28 strikes and 12 assists during that particular year.

Despite his haul at the attacking end of the pitch, Palmer is yet to score in four successive league matches, something that is up for grabs on Sunday.

As well as Palmer having feats in sight, Chelsea are also looking to record at least three goals in four successive top-flight fixtures for the first time since the 1954-55 campaign.

Brentford not to be underestimated...

Brentford may boast the best home record in the Premier League, but they also hold the second-worst record on their travels with their only point in seven games coming courtesy of a goalless draw at Everton.

Frank's side have also suffered six consecutive away defeats in London derbies, but Brentford have recorded three victories in a row in Premier League fixtures at Stamford Bridge.

Eight goals have been scored with just the one conceded, putting them within touching distance of becoming the first team since Leeds United in 1991 to record four away top-flight triumphs in a row at Stamford Bridge.

Written by

Darren Plant