Chelsea continue their push to finish in the top four when they visit west London rivals Brentford

Chelsea continue their push to finish in the top four when they visit west London rivals Brentford in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Blues head into the weekend affair having bolstered their bid for Champions League qualification on Thursday night. Facing another capital rival, they were narrow 1-0 victors against Tottenham Hotspur in a VAR-fuelled derby. They currently sit fourth in the standings and can’t afford to loosen their grip ahead of some challenging fixtures at the end of the campaign.

Brentford still harbour slim hopes of earning European football this season, with Europa League and Conference League qualification just within view. However, the Bees will have to be more or less perfect between now and the campaign’s conclusion and hope their competitors slip-up elsewhere. Beating Chelsea would certainly raise morale.

Thomas Frank was full of positive injury news during his pre-match press conference, even claiming there is a “good chance” that Rico Henry returns to the matchday squad. The left-back has played just three minutes in the league this season due to injuries but recently turned out for Brentford’s B team and is closing in on a return.

Aaron Hickey and Gustavo Nunes were also in action for Brentford B after long injury layoffs but Sunday’s match will likely come too soon for their involvement.

Elsewhere, Frank revealed Mathias Jensen is “fine” and “could be available” against Chelsea having yet to feature since the defeat to Aston Villa in early March. The Brentford boss also confirmed Mikkel Damsgaard’s availability after recent illness issues.

Fabio Carvalho remains out for the campaign, while Igor Thiago and Joshua Dasilva are still recovering from knee injuries.

Brentford predicted lineup vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Flekken; Ajer, Collins, Pinnock, Lewis-Potter; Norgaard, Janelt; Mbeumo, Damsgaard, Schade; Wissa.

Wesley Fofana has re-entered the treatment room after suffering a muscle injury which kept him sidelined for the Tottenham game. Much like Romeo Lavia, who is also absent with a muscle issue, he won’t feature against Brentford.

Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke all returned from fitness problems midweek and the latter should be promoted to the starting lineup after another underwhelming display from Jadon Sancho on Thursday night.

Reece James’ minutes have been managed carefully since his injury comeback but the club captain could start on Sunday having only been used from the bench against Spurs. Whether he will feature in right-back or defensive midfield remains to be seen.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Brentford (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Jackson.