BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton has predicted a victory for Mauricio Pochettino's side in Saturday's clash between Chelsea and Brentford at Stamford Bridge. Despite a shaky start to the season, Sutton believes the Blues have shown signs of improvement and could be on the verge of a turnaround.
Chelsea's performance in the 2022-23 season was far from their usual standards. The Blues finished a disappointing 12th in the Premier League, amassing a mere 44 points. The ongoing campaign hasn't been much better, with Chelsea picking up just 12 points from their first nine matches.
However, there have been glimmers of hope. Chelsea's recent home game against Arsenal saw them come tantalisingly close to a well-deserved victory. This performance has led Sutton to suggest that Chelsea may have turned a corner under the guidance of Pochettino.
What did Sutton say?
BBC Sport pundit Chris Sutton said:
"Brentford ended a six-game winless streak by beating Burnley last time out, but I feel Chelsea are improving every week."
"They haven't cracked it yet under Mauricio Pochettino, but they are getting there. They were probably the better team for most of their game with Arsenal last weekend, and ended up being disappointed with a draw."
Sutton believes that Chelsea will claim a 2-1 victory over Brentford, extending their unbeaten run to five matches in the process.
Brentford's struggles and key absences
Brentford, too, have had their share of struggles this season. The Bees have managed to secure only one win in their last seven Premier League fixtures. Their performances have been hampered by the absence of key players, including recognised goalscorer Ivan Toney and goalkeeper David Raya.
Toney's absence has left a significant void in Brentford's attacking line, while Raya's loan move to Arsenal over the summer has left them vulnerable at the back. These factors have contributed to Brentford's lacklustre performances and could potentially give Chelsea an edge in the upcoming match.
Sutton backs the Blues to triumph
Despite the struggles of both teams, Sutton believes that Chelsea are poised to take all three points in the London derby. The BBC pundit argues that the Blues' performance against Arsenal indicates a potential upturn in form and that they should not be written off just yet.
Sutton's prediction will be put to the test on Saturday, October 28, when Chelsea and Brentford face off at Stamford Bridge. Regardless of the outcome, the match promises to be an exciting clash between two London rivals, each eager to turn their season around.
While both teams have had their struggles, the upcoming London derby could be a turning point. For Chelsea, a victory could mark the start of a resurgence, while for Brentford, a win could provide a much-needed boost in their fight against relegation.
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