Chelsea will be a confident outfit when they take on Brentford in the FA Cup on Saturday. The Blues have been on a different level altogether this season and are on a run which has seen them notch up 15 wins out of 16 games in the League. They are currently 8 points ahead of their nearest competitor and going by logic, should be emerging as undisputed Champions at the end of the season. Antonio Conte has woven his magic around the squad and they have elevated themselves to an optimum level and by the looks of it the balance attained, will be more than enough for them to sustain the momentum throughout.
Having been knocked out of the EFL Cup, Conte will want to advance in the FA Cup and would have been pleased to be handed such an easy home fixture when a number of their title challengers have to deal with far more tricky opponents.
Brentford are in the 15 position and have issues of their own. Although they would want to put up a competent show against the heavyweight opponents, it is clear that they have to prioritise the Championship where they would want to be much higher in the League table.
Conte would love to make changes and here’s how the setup is likely to be.
PREDICTED CHELSEA XI VS BRENTFORD (3-4-3)
DEFENCE
Begovic has been linked with a move away and although there is a chance he might be kept out of the squad, Courtois is in line for a well-deserved rest. John Terry is likely to come back into the side and after a red card, last time out in the FA Cup will look to be calmer under pressure. There might be a complete rest for the usual suspects and we are likely to see Nathan Ake start on the left side of the back three with Zouma on the right-hand side.
MIDFIELD
Alonso and Victor Moses are also in for a rest which will most likely see Ivanovic get a game on the right-hand side in midfield. He is most likely to leave in the near future but he is likely to get a game. Loftus-Cheek might be used on the left-hand side of the midfield with Chalobah and Fabregas lining up in central midfield.
ATTACK
Willian is likely to get a game on the right wing and he will be accompanied by Batshuayi who will start up front. Pedro might retain his berth and will line up on the left-wing in that case.
