Chelsea vs Brentford Prediction: Joao Pedro to pose problems for Yarmoliuk

Chelsea suffered a 2-1 defeat at Fulham last time out in the Premier League, and after thrashing Charlton Athletic 5-1 in the FA Cup third round in Liam Rosenior's first game as Blues boss last weekend, another west London derby is in store this Saturday (15:00 GMT) as Keith Andrews' in-form Brentford provide the opposition at Stamford Bridge.

Below are my Chelsea vs Brentford predictions, supported by all the latest team news and match odds.

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Team News

Reece James and Cole Palmer are in line to return to the Chelsea squad on Saturday after missing Wednesday's 3-2 Carabao Cup defeat to Arsenal at Stamford Bridge as a precautionary measure.

Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens were also absent in midweek due to illness, and it remains to be seen whether the duo return in time for Saturday's game.

Levi Colwill (knee) is still sidelined, while this weekend's match comes too soon for Romeo Lavia, but Malo Gusto could return after missing Rosenior's first two games in charge of the Blues.

Moises Caicedo is back after serving a suspension against Arsenal.

Football Odds

As for Brentford, Josh Dasilva, Fabio Carvalho and Antoni Milambo all remain sidelined with long-term knee injuries, while Jordan Henderson is doubtful with an ankle issue.

Frank Onyeka remains on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Nigeria, but Dango Ouattara is back after Burkina Faso were knocked out in the last 16.

Chelsea vs Brentford Odds

Chelsea are 7/10 to win this west London derby, implying a 58.8% probability of success, while Brentford are 4/1, or a 20% chance, to triumph at Stamford Bridge for the fourth time in five seasons.

The last two head-to-heads, including September's 2-2 at the Gtech Community Stadium, have finished in a draw, and another stalemate can be backed on Saturday at 3/1.

Igor Thiago 3+ Shots On Target has been boosted from 5/1 to 6/1.

Away Team Total Shots Over/Under +9.5 - Under 9.5 @ 1/1

Brentford have taken nine or fewer shots in six of their 10 Premier League away games this season, including four of their last six.

Across their last four trips in the top flight, the Bees have registered 28 attempts, averaging seven per game.

Today's Football Fixtures

Chelsea have conceded nine shots or fewer in two of their last four league matches at Stamford Bridge, and despite scoring twice in September's draw at the Gtech, Brentford only managed to record seven efforts to make it seven head-to-heads in a row without getting into double figures for shots.

Player to Receive a Card - Yehor Yarmoliuk (BRE) @ 12/5

Brentford midfielder Yehor Yarmoliuk has received four yellows in 21 Premier League appearances (19 starts) this season, averaging 1.4 fouls per 90 minutes.

Last season, the 21-year-old was booked six times, including once against Brighton & Hove Albion for a foul on Joao Pedro, who has since moved to Chelsea.

Chelsea's No. 20 is averaging two fouls won per 90 in the 2025/26 Premier League, and in his last competition start, Manchester City centre-back Ruben Dias was shown a yellow card for taking the Brazilian down.

Newcastle United's Fabian Schar, Arsenal's Cristhian Mosquera, Wolves' Marshall Munetsi and Nottingham Forest's Morato have all been booked for fouling Joao Pedro, too.

Yarmoliuk was cautioned in September's reverse fixture for an unfair challenge against Palmer, and the England international, Joao Pedro and other Chelsea players like James, Alejandro Garnacho and Caicedo, could cause him problems again on Saturday.