Picture Credit: X
As the Premier League season heads into its decisive stages, Chelsea travel to the Gtech Community Stadium to face Brentford on Sunday, April 6, 2025. Both teams find themselves at contrasting points of the campaign, yet equally desperate for points. Chelsea enter this fixture off the back of a narrow but confidence-boosting 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Under the leadership of Enzo Maresca, the Blues have shown glimpses of promise, but inconsistency has been a recurring theme. Injuries have undoubtedly played a part, none more frustrating than the continued absence of midfielder Romeo Lavia.
The Belgian youngster, signed for 53 million pounds from Southampton in August 2023, has endured a nightmare debut season at Stamford Bridge. Lavia has managed just a handful of appearances due to a recurring hamstring issue that has kept him sidelined for months. Manager Maresca confirmed ahead of the Brentford game that Lavia suffered yet another setback in his recovery and remains out indefinitely. "We don’t know yet how long he will be unavailable for," Maresca admitted, acknowledging the frustration shared by both player and club.
Chelsea look to cement their top four spot with a win against struggling Brentford
Despite these injury setbacks, Chelsea have maintained a firm grip on the top four battle. A return to form for key players like Nicolas Jackson, and the return of Reece James to fitness, have bolstered their ambitions. Maresca has not been shy in demanding high standards, recently cancelling a scheduled day off for the squad after a disappointing defeat to the club’s academy team during the international break.
His no-nonsense approach is beginning to rub off, as Chelsea aim to tighten up defensively and improve their away form, having lost four consecutive league games on the road. Brentford, meanwhile, find themselves in a worrying spot. Thomas Frank’s side have gone eight home games without a victory, a run that has left them precariously close to the relegation zone.
