Predicted Chelsea lineup (3-4-2-1) vs Brentford, Kante and James start

Chelsea make the short trip across London to face Brentford in the Premier League today.

The Blues are presently top of the league standings, but they are just two points ahead of sixth-placed Brighton & Hove Albion.

They are favourites for the London derby, but can't underestimate the Bees, who have picked up points against Arsenal and Liverpool.

Predicted Lineup:

Edouard Mendy has been an automatic choice in goal for the Premier League and Champions League games when fit. He is expected to start.

There will be enforced changes in defence. Thiago Silva won't feature with his short turnaround time after Brazil duty.

Antonio Rudiger is unavailable with a back problem suffered during a World Cup qualifier for Germany last week.

Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen and Trevoh Chalobah are widely expected to start in the back three.

Reece James is back after an ankle concern. He will feature in the right wing-back position ahead of Callum Hudson-Odoi.

Ben Chilwell scored in his first league start of the season earlier this month, and should continue at left wing-back.

N'Golo Kante is available for selection after a bout of coronavirus.

The Frenchman is expected to partner Jorginho in the centre of the park with Mateo Kovacic dropping to the bench.

Further forward, Mason Mount should return to the starting XI, and could be accompanied by Timo Werner in attack.

Werner netted his first league goal since February against the Saints, and he has shown signs of returning to form.

Romelu Lukaku is expected to start ahead of the duo as the lone striker. He is fit after a minor thigh injury scare.

Predicted Chelsea lineup (3-4-2-1): Mendy; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Chalobah; James, Jorginho, Kante, Chilwell; Mount, Werner; Lukaku.