Opta supercomputer ranks Chelsea's Champions League chancespublished at 16:01 BST 15 September
16:01 BST 15 September
Image source, Getty Images
Opta's supercomputer has ranked Chelsea as the sixth-most likely team to win this season's Champions League.
The model estimates the probability of each match outcome (win, draw or loss) by using betting market odds and Opta power rankings. Both these areas are based on historical and recent team performances and the computer runs 10,000 simulations to create its predictions.
Image source, Opta
Enzo Maresca's Club World Cup winners win the trophy in 7% of simulations, behind Barcelona, Manchester City, Paris St-Germain, Arsenal and Liverpool.
This is the Blues' first season back in the Champions League since 2022-23 and Opta give them a 51.3% chance of reaching the quarter-finals and a 28.5% chance of making the semi-finals.
The thinking behind Emegha's 2026 move to Chelseapublished at 10:52 BST 15 September
10:52 BST 15 September
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha signed a pre-agreement with Chelsea at the end of last week, but it had been a battle for the French club to keep hold of the 22-year-old since spring.
Talks began months ago to ward off interest from rival Premier League and Champions League clubs, with Emegha's previous contract expiring in 2028.
He was given the captain's armband going into Strasbourg's first season in Europe for 10 years.
The decision was ultimately made to keep him in Ligue 1 until 2026 to give him time to polish his game further and push into the Netherlands' World Cup squad next summer.
Meanwhile, he became part of Chelsea's long-term plan, built on positive relationships behind the scenes - and the move, on a seven-year deal, was finalised swiftly over 48 hours in London last week.
It is one of the reasons the Blues opted against signing a replacement for an injured Liam Delap, allowed Nicolas Jackson to move to Bayern Munich on a loan that could become permanent and recall Marc Guiu from Sunderland instead.
However, Strasbourg's ultras fan group - currently a loud minority at La Meinau - held up a banner during Sunday's 1-0 win over Le Havre reading: "Emegha, BlueCo pawn. After changing your shirt, give back your armband."
Manager Liam Rosenior, who has enjoyed a positive start to the campaign, said: "Emanuel Emegha was devastated and so was I.
"Seeing banners against one of the best players last season is unacceptable. My players deserve much more."
Brentford 2-2 Chelsea - the fans' verdictpublished at 08:42 BST 15 September
08:42 BST 15 September
Media caption,
We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Brentford and Chelsea.
Here are some of your comments:
Brentford fans
Tim: That Chelsea had to send on the big guns to make an impression shows how effective the Bees had been up until then. It also shows how classy Palmer is - finding time and space at ease. Henderson is the rock in midfield, allowing the ever improving Yarmoliuk more licence to roam and harry the opposition. Lovely to see Kev get his goal, and Fabio likewise - both are confidence players.
David: A very gutsy performance from Brentford. Chelsea brought on a very talented bench, however we kept to our gameplan despite Chelsea's many excellent players. Kevin Schade was my man of the match.
Brian: I sensed a goal was coming when Keith Andrews introduced Fabio Carvalho late on. There was focus and determination in Kevin Schade's eyes as he took the long throw which confirmed this. It seems that the coach dubbed a "rookie" by so many pundits knows exactly what he is doing. Well done, Keith, and his Bees.
R Hipgrave: A good display under a new manager. Considering they have a new team from last season, on this showing, it looks good. Well done, Bees.
Chelsea fans
Richard: Chelsea snatch a draw from the jaws of victory. Often the defence has looked all over the place and Sanchez has saved Chelsea more than a few times this season. When you take the lead with five minutes remaining (thanks, Caicedo) you should be able to see the game out. At least Palmer is back. Gittens' contribution has been negligible thus far and Neto is speedy but too often he lacks an accurate final pass or cross. He should be scoring more goals.
Tawina: Decent start to the season for Chelsea, but that Brentford draw stings. Still unbeaten, which is a plus, but the habit of starting slow is worrying. We've shipped early goals in every league game (two chalked off, but still). That needs fixing fast or players like Yamal will punish us. This display and the season so far? Solid 6/10.
Scott: While people say Chelsea have a huge squad, the Brentford game showed that - outside the top 15 players or so - the quality is not there at Premier League or Champions League level. Our centre-backs and goalkeeper are simply not good enough. There is no way this team wins either of those competitions - a domestic cup and top four maybe.
Richard: Frustrating performance. The starting line-up looked like we had our eyes on Bayern. Why would you ever rest Cucurella - the guy can run forever. At least the changes were made quickly but we still overcommit with a defence that is just not up to it.
Gossip: Juve turned down Chelsea's £70m Yildiz offerpublished at 07:08 BST 15 September
07:08 BST 15 September
Chelsea had a £70m bid for Juventus striker Kenan Yildiz rejected over the summer, with the Italian side hoping to tie the 20-year-old Turkey international down to a long-term contract. (Calciomercato - in Italian), external
Chelsea need to master squad rotationpublished at 11:27 BST 14 September
11:27 BST 14 September
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Media caption,
Alejandro Garnacho, Cole Palmer, Reece James, Marc Cucurella and Tyrique George made an impact as substitutes - but there are questions about how Maresca uses his squad.
Enzo Maresca and the vast majority of Chelsea's players enter what, for them, is uncharted territory this season - having to balance the demands of the Premier League with the Champions League.
It will deliver another layer of pressure to rotate well, rest big players and still get results on all fronts.
Of course, Chelsea were not in Europe at all two seasons ago and regularly played a different 11 in Uefa's third-tier Conference League competition last season.
The big games come thick and fast now - a trip to Bayern Munich on Wednesday, a visit to Manchester United next Saturday.
Maresca's team selection raised a few eyebrows but he had issues relating to players coming back late from international duty in South America, plus injuries to contend with and a need not to overload James, who started both of England's matches.
"Before the game Joao Pedro told me that he was not 100% fit [and said] it is better [that he] doesn't play," Maresca explained. "And so if I was thinking about Bayern Munich, Joao was on the bench.
"Cole was not fit to play from the start. We planned 45 minutes for Wes [Fofana], because he was a long time out.
"We planned not all the game for Jorrel [Hato], because we said already many times, when you arrive from another country, you need time to adapt. Facundo joined us two weeks ago. His physicality also is not 100%.
"But we needed to manage different situations, like Estevao that was out."
Brentford 2-2 Chelsea: What Maresca saidpublished at 10:51 BST 14 September
10:51 BST 14 September
Media caption,
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "It's a shame [to concede late] but it happens. Probably we could manage that moment of the game better but in the end we concede and lose two points.
"We try to win every game but know we won't win every game. It's a shame because we conceded so late."
On long throw-ins and how to defend them: "First of all try not to concede the throw-in. They have Kayode, Jensen, Schade and even Pinnock who are strong on throw-ins."
On making three changes at half-time: "We planned to give [Wesley] Fofana 45 minutes because he's back after a long time. [Facundo] Buonanotte is the same - he needs time."
Did you know?
Joao Pedro has been directly involved in five goals in four Premier League games for Chelsea (two goals, three assists). The only player to reach five goal involvements in fewer games for the Blues in the competition is Eden Hazard (three games).
Chelsea made three half time substitutions in a Premier League game for the first time since 31 January 2024, in a 4-1 loss to Liverpool at Anfield.
Each of the Blues' last four visits to the Brentford Community Stadium have finished level.
Datro Fofana leaves Chelsea bomb squad for Turkeypublished at 15:38 BST 13 September
15:38 BST 13 September
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana has joined Turkish club Fatih Karagumruk on a season-long loan that includes an option to buy.
The 22-year-old had been deemed surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge and his move follows talks with Championship clubs Preston and Charlton Athletic on England's transfer deadline day a fortnight ago.
However, the Turkish window remained open and allowed Chelsea to recall striker Deivid Washington from an unsuccessful spell at Santos to free up an additional international loan spot.
The Ivory Coast international's move leaves just Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi in the so-called 'bomb squad' at Stamford Bridge.
Fofana spent part of last season on loan in Turkey at Goztepe but his promising spell was cut short by a major knee injury.
He previously had spells on loan at Burnley and Union Berlin having joined Chelsea in a £10m move from Molde in 2023.
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Everton v Aston Villa" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Wolves", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Brentford v Chelseapublished at 11:04 BST 13 September
11:04 BST 13 September
There was such a crazy finish to Brentford's defeat by Sunderland that the Bees must still be wondering how they lost.
I had been very confident Keith Andrews' side would go to the Stadium of Light and win after watching them beat Aston Villa the previous week - a result they thoroughly deserved.
I have to be careful with this prediction, though. At this stage of the season I can get hoodwinked a bit because I have covered some teams when they have played well, and it means I overlook some of their opposition's qualities.
Chelsea have some fantastic players and have made a decent start to the season so they have to be favourites here. But I am going to stick with my instincts and say Brentford will give them a good game too.
In fact, the more I think about it, the more this smells like a west London derby draw. The points have been shared in this fixture in the past three seasons, so let's go for four draws in a row.
Brentford v Chelsea: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:24 BST 12 September
19:24 BST 12 September
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
Chelsea go in search of just their second Premier League win at Gtech Community Stadium, taking on a Brentford side vying for back-to-back home victories under new boss Keith Andrews. BBC Sport takes a look at some of the key themes before Saturday's match.
Many of Chelsea's players, particularly their South American contingent, spent the international break criss-crossing the globe - but little travel has been required so far in the Premier League, with this the Blues' fourth consecutive game against London opposition.
They are just the second side in the top four tiers of English football to begin a league season with four successive London derbies.
Enzo Maresca's side have taken seven points from their opening three fixtures, conceding just once - maintaining their strong defensive record from the final three months of last season. They have kept nine clean sheets in their past 15 top-flight matches, more than any other side since 25 February.
While they have benefited from contentious VAR interventions which led to disallowed goals for Fulham and Crystal Palace, Chelsea have coped well without key centre-back Levi Colwill, who will miss most of the season after injuring his knee in pre-season.
The Club World Cup winners suffered another injury blow when summer signing Liam Delap hurt his hamstring against Fulham, ruling the centre-forward out for up to eight weeks. The Blues briefly considered cancelling Nicolas Jackson's move to Bayern Munich but instead signed Facundo Buonanotte on loan from Brighton and recalled Marc Guiu from his loan spell at Sunderland.
Striker Guiu, 19, played three times for the Black Cats, including a late cameo in their 2-1 win over Brentford last time out, so could make consecutive appearances against the Bees.
Brentford in profit but could it prove costly in long run?
This is the first of back-to-back London derbies for Brentford, who also visit Fulham next weekend.
They suffered a frustrating defeat at the Stadium of Light on 30 August, finishing empty handed despite taking the lead after 77 minutes, having earlier missed a penalty. Those dropped points could prove crucial at the end of the season if the two clubs up being direct rivals in the relegation battle.
Brentford can no longer call upon one of the Premier League's most reliable penalty-takers, having sold Bryan Mbeumo to Manchester United in July. The club also finally allowed Yoane Wissa to join Newcastle on deadline day, meaning both of last season's joint-top scorers have departed.
The Bees have spent £84m on seven new signings but recouped £133m in sales, resulting in a net profit of approximately £49m this summer, second only to Bournemouth.
Overall, six clubs finished with a surplus but of those sides only Brentford have a new manager at the helm, underlining the difficult task facing rookie boss Andrews.
Maresca's options suddenly very limitedpublished at 10:49 BST 12 September
10:49 BST 12 September
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Although the 74 FA charges imposed on Chelsea were on the minds of some, selection issues will trouble manager Enzo Maresca much more.
Star attacker Cole Palmer has only partially trained, while Maresca fears striker Delap is out for as long as "10 to 12 weeks".
The club estimate remains that Delap could be back in November, with a view to being ready for a busy festive fixture period in December.
Chelsea also lost midfielder Dario Essugo during the international break for up to four months, while Brazilians Joao Pedro, Andrey Santos and Estevao Willian are a doubt for Saturday's game against Brentford after a long trip back from a World Cup qualifier in Bolivia.
Similarly, midfielder Moises Caicedo returned from playing in Ecuador.
All those mentioned are either doubtful or ruled out. It remains unconfirmed how fit any of Romeo Lavia, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana are to face the Bees.
Maresca's options are suddenly very limited, with further trips to Bayern Munich and Manchester United also needing to be kept in mind.
Maresca on Palmer's fitness, Delap's injury and Garnachopublished at 10:38 BST 12 September
10:38 BST 12 September
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game at Brentford (20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Maresca said Cole Palmer trained yesterday for the first time since picking up an injury in the warm-up before the win over West Ham. However, it was "not the entire session" and a decision will be taken on his involvement after he trains again later today.
More on Palmer's fitness: "He is recovering from an injury. It's not managing him, it's recovering from an injury. When he is available, we need to manage him because of the amount of games."
Maresca added that Liam Delap will be out for "around 10-12 weeks" so there is a "long way to go".
Chelsea's three Brazilian internationals Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian and Andrey Santos arrived back yesterday and did "recovery work" but did not train while Ecuador's Moises Caicedo returned late last night. Maresca said the South American contingent are all "a question mark" for tomorrow's game.
On captain Reece James starting twice for England in the international break: "In the minute that any player joins the international team he is free to play any minutes the manager wants him to play. It is out of my hands. When Reece is here we try to manage him as much as we can. Reece is showing he is quite fit to play two or three games in a week."
When asked about the club being charged by the Football Association with 74 alleged rule breaches, Maresca said: "I know from the club that they are satisfied about the situation and the process. I have nothing to add because I have no idea to be honest. I just focus on the pitch-side and what I can control. I don't think the players are too worried."
He commented on Levi Colwill being named in his Champions League squad despite his long-term knee injury: "Depends on where we arrive in the Champions League. Levi's injury is ACL which is six, seven, eight months but right now it is not something we are worried about."
On Nicolas Jackson's exit: "Nico for me it is quite easy in terms of in this moment he is a Bayern Munich player. I sent him a message to wish him all the best. That is the only thing I can say."
On new addition Alejandro Garnacho: "He's working well. For sure he needs to work because he arrived here probably not 100% fit. We see how soon we can give him minutes."
Cueva v Andrews in the 'battle of the set-piece gurus'published at 08:13 BST 12 September
08:13 BST 12 September
Nat Hayward BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty Images
Set-piece guru Bernardo Cueva left Brentford to join then-new Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca's backroom staff in the summer of 2024 - but there were a few murmurs over his perceived lack of impact from within the Blues' fanbase last season.
The Bees scoring the most goals from set-pieces in the Premier League (25) across the 2022-23 season coupled with a £750,000 compensation fee gave the indication Cueva's move to Stamford Bridge could be a game-changer.
However, despite a solid and promising first campaign under Maresca, Chelsea only managed 16 goals from set-pieces - actually down from 23 the year before - and ranked them 11th in the division.
Such is the significance of the role in modern football, the man who replaced Cueva as 'tactical statistician' at Brentford, Keith Andrews, will manage the Bees at the Gtech Community Stadium on Saturday evening.
And he will be preparing his side to face a Chelsea who now seem to be reaping the benefits of Cueva's expertise.
Five of the seven goals scored by Maresca's side so far this season have come from set-pieces, including penalties - the highest in the division - and the inventive routines on show have caught the eye.
While last term only Manchester City played a larger proportion of their corners short - the Blues have favoured in-swinging deliveries aimed at the near post and centre of the six-yard box.
Marc Cucurella has often made a late run to the near post while Liam Delap - who's role will need to filled in the injured striker's absence - has been standing close to the goalkeeper to limit his movement.
The Spanish full-back flicked the ball on for Joao Pedro's equaliser against West Ham and drew players out of position for the same player's opener against Fulham.
As our fan writer Will Faulks states, dead-ball scenarios have turned "from a weakness to a strength" for Chelsea so far this season.
However, their opponents on Saturday only conceded four from set-pieces last year - by far the fewest in the division - and that shows Andrews' own astuteness in this area.
Keep an eye on the battle of the set-piece gurus at the Gtech.
Gossip: Essugo out for at least 12 weekspublished at 07:48 BST 12 September
07:48 BST 12 September
Chelsea's 20-year-old Portuguese midfielder Dario Essugo has had an operation on a thigh injury and could be out for a minimum of 12 weeks. (Athletic - subscription required), external
