Academy trio Harvey Vale, Xavier Simons and Jude Soonsup-Bell come into the side for their first appearances at senior level, the latter up front supported by Vale and Ross Barkley.

Cesar Azpilicueta, Trevoh Chalobah and Marcos Alonso are the trio to keep their places, with Kepa Arrizabalaga resuming League Cup duties behind a defence featuring Malang Sarr.

Mateo Kovacic and Saul are expected to line up in central midfield, with Alonso and Simons in the wing-back roles.

Chelsea (3-4-3) Kepa, Azpilicueta (c), Chalobah, Sarr; Simons, Kovacic, Saul, Alonso, Barkley, Soonsup-Bell, Vale

Subs Bettinelli, James, Rudiger, Hall, Jorginho, Kante, Webster, Mount, Pulisic

Brentford (3-5-2) Fernandez; Sorensen, Jansson (c), Pinnock; Canos, Jensen, Baptiste, Janelt, Henry; Mbeumo, Wissa

Subs Cox, Thompson, Norgaard, Forss, Ghoddos, Onyeka, Toney, Peart-Harris, Stevens