Opponent Watch: Brentford could be without four first-team players for Chelsea clash

Brentford could be without four first-team players including Aaron Hickey for Chelsea clash tonight

Brentford could be without four first-team players including left-back Aaron Hickey for the Chelsea clash later tonight. (h/t Football. London).

The Bees will also be without defensive midfielder Christian Norgaard, goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha and centre-back and captain Pontus Jansson. The Albania international has anyway played just once for his new club this season, and David Raya is the number 1 choice for now between the sticks for the Bees.

Left-back Hickey has been crucial for Thomas Frank’s side with the summer signing starting eight of the nine games so far. Him missing the game could mean that Rico Henry will likely start in the left-back position.

Chelsea themselves will be without N’Golo Kante, Wesley Fofana and Reece James. Kante has not featured for the club since August in their 2-2 draw at home against Tottenham Hotspur.

Fofana picked up his injury during his side’s 3-0 win against AC Milan in the Champions League earlier this month, while James picked up his injury in the return leg against the same opponent.

Trevoh Chalobah is expected to continue in the centre-back position while either Cesar Azpilicueta or Marc Cucurella could start in the right-back position.

Ivan Toney will be the one to look out for the Blues. The 26-year-old has been in terrific form this season and has scored 8 goals in 10 league appearances. He was outstanding for his team last week when he scored a brace to help his side win 2-0 against Brighton & Hove Albion.

More Chelsea News:

• Brighton star and Chelsea transfer target Leandro Trossard put future talks on hold till after the World Cup
• Chelsea boss Graham Potter has identified Jonathan David as an ideal striker
• Jorginho seeks pay rise after Chelsea made contract offer to the midfielder

Brentford are ninth on the table with 13 points, while Chelsea sit in fourth with 19 points and have also played a game less than their opponents. Graham Potter will hope that his side can continue their good run and come out on top in this London derby later tonight.