Brentford 0-0 Chelsea
2. Cracking start from the visitors.
As a free-kick is whipped into the box, Nkunku is picked out but he cannot divert his header on target.
Early warning for Thomas Frank’s side.
Kick-off: All three games in the capital are underway
View from SunSport’s Charlie Wyett at Craven Cottage
Arsenal’s draw at Everton merely underlined that Liverpool have an easy stroll to the title.
Whatever happens here in west London – and it will be tricky for the visitors – Arne Slot will definitely be winning the Premier League in his first season.
Cody Gakpo replaces Luis Diaz in the only change to the team that started the 1-0 win over Everton on Wednesday.
No 2 keeper Caoimhin Keller keeps his place as Alisson has yet to clear concussion protocols after suffering a head injury while on international duty with Brazil.
From Jordan Davies at Gtech Community
This race for European football has never been hotter, but Enzo Maresca has reacted by benching “Cold” Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson for the trip to Brentford.
That is… one hell of a risk.
The pair returned from injuries to help the Blues beat Tottenham 1-0 on Thursday, with Palmer providing an assist for Enzo Fernandez.
Yes, they probably need their minutes managed, and yes, there is a trip to Warsaw in the Conference League quarter finals next week, but today is a massive chance to put their stamp on the top four.
Three points here and the distance between themselves and sixth-placed Aston Villa would stretch to four points, while also closing the gap on third-placed Nottingham Forest to just two points.
A proper gamble, one that could come back to bite Maresca come the end of the season should they falter in west London.
