Chelsea’s biggest defensive problem is set up to be perfectly exposed by Brentford

Chelsea have been able to generate more chances in attack from these scenarios. Romeo Lavia has already found the net via a corner this season.

What changes are you making to our predicted Chelsea XI to face Brentford? 🤔

This is going to be far from easy…

Chelsea’s set-piece woes are in danger of being exposed by Brentford

However, they still give up plenty of chances, totalling to 1.57 xG against them from set-pieces, which is seventh-highest in the league.

This does not provide encouraging signs when heading into their upcoming West London derby against Brentford, who have proven to be set-piece specialists.

The Bees have the second highest xG created from set-pieces this season, with long throw-ins also a real asset for them.

Chelsea have been stung by this before. The Blues were heading to the top of the table when they led their rivals last season, only for a throw-in to cause chaos in their penalty area and lead to a Fabio Carvalho late equaliser.

The Blues have shown very recent struggles when it comes to defending these situations. Emi Martinez didn’t cover himself in glory when Hull equalised from a corner last week.

They tried to add height and physicality to their first team squad over the summer, which makes it even more peculiar that Maxence Lacroix didn’t start against Hull.

The Frenchman is a certainty to return to the starting side for their clash tonight, likely joined by Josh Acheampong and Levi Colwill.

The only positive as far as Chelsea are concerned when it comes to their defensive woes is that they are about to enter a three week international break, where plenty of their players are set to remain at Cobham.

This will allow a combination of McPhee and Alonso to work on set-piece defending, after the stern examination that is set to face them in West London tonight.

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