Brentford host Chelsea aiming to end recent run of near-misses
Brentford host Chelsea in the Premier League on 18 September, with both sides looking to build on encouraging starts to the campaign. The west London meeting arrives with Brentford unbeaten in their last five league outings, a run built on two wins and three draws, while Chelsea have won three of their own five, though they suffered a defeat in that sequence.
Recent history favours neither side outright
Across their last five meetings Chelsea have come out on top twice, with three draws in between, giving them a slight edge overall in the head-to-head picture. Their most recent clash in January ended 2-0 to Chelsea, while the previous September fixture at the same venue finished 2-2. Two of the five encounters have ended goalless or level, underlining how tight this fixture has often been.
What is at stake
With five rounds of the season played, this clash offers both clubs a chance to close in on the division's early pace. Brentford will look to home advantage to extend their unbeaten sequence, while Chelsea will hope their superior recent win tally translates into a fourth victory in six matches. Given the pattern of recent meetings between these two, another closely fought contest looks likely.