Chelsea host London neighbours Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

The sanctions placed on the club’s outgoing owner Roman Abramovich initially prohibited the sale of any tickets. However, restrictions were eased ahead of Saturday’s fixture, with the club’s season ticket holders expected to be joined by other fans at Stamford Bridge this weekend.

Here’s the Chelsea lineup that may trot out in front of their bolstered support.

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Edouard Mendy (GK) – The Senegal shot-stopper helped his nation to another penalty shootout victory over Egypt to secure their spot at this winter’s World Cup during the international break.

Cesar Azpilicueta (CB) – Where the club captain will end up next season is still steeped in uncertainty even though a one-year extension has been triggered in his contract.

Thiago Silva (CB) – Having been left on the bench for Brazil’s second 4-0 thumping of the brief club hiatus, Silva may well have been afforded enough recovery time to turn out against Chelsea’s London neighbours.

Antonio Rudiger (CB) – The indomitable German centre-back became the sixth member of Chelsea’s squad to rack up a half-century of appearances for their nation on Tuesday.

Reece James (RWB) – Rated as one of Dani Alves‘ favourite right-backs, his repeated selection when fit suggests that Tuchel holds his returning livewire in similarly lofty esteem.

N’Golo Kante (CM) – Repeatedly resurfacing injuries have prevented Kante from making more than three consecutive Premier League appearances since the end of 2020.

Mateo Kovacic (CM) – Despite spending ten seasons with three giants in the form of Inter, Real Madrid and Chelsea, Kovacic has only won one league title (of course, his four Champions League wins somewhat stem the disappointment).

Marcos Alonso (LWB) – Ben Chilwell had staked a strong claim for the left-back berth when Chelsea travelled to Brentford in October’s reverse fixture. However, his season-ending injury opened a path back into the side for Alonso.

Mason Mount (RW) – The England international is Chelsea’s outright Premier League top scorer and assist provider this season.

Kai Havertz (ST) – 40% of Havertz’s career tally of Premier League goals have come in Chelsea’s last three outings in the competition.

Christian Pulisic (LW) – The Hershey-born winger has played more games and scored more goals under Tuchel than any other coach in his senior career.

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