Current Premier League leaders Chelsea take on Brenford in the FA Cup fourth Round tie this Saturday, 28th January 2017 at Stamford Bridge. The game is scheduled to kickoff at around 3pm uk time and there won’t be any live coverage in the country. Chelsea having turned their season around find themselves in comfortable position in the league and Antonio Conte has a important week ahead as they tackle Brentford on Saturday and visit Anfield on Tuesday night for Premier League game.
Match Highlights (English)
Chelsea 4-0 Brentford Highlights
[ English FA Cup 2017 – 4th Round Tie ]
14′ 1 – 0 Willian scored in just 15th minute to put Chelsea 1-0 up and on their way to a comfortable outing at home.
21′ 2 – 0 Pedro Rodriguez continue his impressive form this season notching up another goal with a sweet finish to make it 2-0.
70′ 3 – 0 Branislav Ivanovic
81′ 4 – 0 Michy Batshuayi scored from penalty spot to finally get on the scoresheet after difficult few months.
Conte is likely to make several changes in the starting lineup with the likes of Asmir Begovic, Nathan Ake, Michy Batshuayi and Cesc Fabregas getting a rare start. Diego Costa might be rested alongside Willian, Matic and couple of regular defenders. Pedro should keep his place in starting lineup and will be hoping to add another goal or two after his superb performance in the third round win over Peterborough.
Last time these two meet in FA Cup was back in 2012-13 season when Chelsea had to rely on replay to win the tie. Torres, Hazard were among the scorers in 4-0 win.
Brentford currently sitting 15th in the championship table will pose a threat on counter attacks but looking at both sides the gulf in class is too much for Chelsea to slip up. in fact last time Chelsea lost against Brentford was back in 1939 and their most recent match ended in Chelsea winning the replay in the same round back in 2013.
This is how I expect both teams to lineup on Saturday.
Predictions: Chelsea playing at Stamford Bridge are odds on favourite to get the better of Brentford. However four years ago when these two meet, Brentford were able to force a replay where Chelsea won 4-0 in second leg. I can’t see Brentford troubling Chelsea with playing 1 upfront.