Chelsea's new era under Xabi Alonso has started with plenty of promise, but the Blues head to Brentford tonight looking to turn that early excitement into something more substantial.The Basque coach has breathed new life into Cole Palmer after a miserable year for the England star, while Morgan Rogers has already justified his hefty price tag. 22.00: (2.70) Brentford (3.50) Chelsea (2.50)The Blues opened the Premier League season with convincing wins over Fulham and Brighton, scoring seven goals in the process, before the momentum stalled with a 1-2 defeat at Arsenal and a 2-2 home draw against Hull last weekend. In between, Leeds were blown away 6-3 in the League Cup.That leaves Chelsea with just one point from their last two EPL games – and Alonso will want a reaction at Brentford (Friday, 10 pm).##LINKED_NEWS_68849##The Blues are not playing European football this season, leaving Alonso with a clear focus on domestic competition and, above all, the Premier League. A Champions League place is a realistic target, even if challenging Arsenal and Manchester City for the title looks a much bigger ask.Chelsea have certainly looked more dangerous going forward, but their defence remains a concern. Holding on to leads has proved difficult, something Alonso knows must improve quickly."It is time to compete," Alonso told Sky Sports. "If I look for perfection, I will always be frustrated. What I am looking for is a good level, consistency and solidity."##EDITORS_CHOICE##His immediate concern is the fitness of Joao Pedro, who withdrew from Brazil duty, although he could still make the squad for tonight’s game. Moises Caicedo, Marc Guiu, Filip Jorgensen and another trio of players are also carrying knocks but are expected to be available.Brentford remain unbeaten and are one of seven Premier League sides yet to taste defeat, although they have won just once – a 3-0 demolition of Tottenham on the opening weekend. Chelsea, meanwhile, have not lost to their London neighbours in their last five meetings. Last season's clash at the Gtech ended 2-2, while the Blues won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.Interestingly, Chelsea's last four visits to Brentford have all ended in draws.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 5Friday22.00: (2.70) Brentford (3.50) Chelsea (2.50)Saturday14.30: (2.15) Tottenham (3.45) Aston Villa (3.35)17.00: (4.80) Brighton (4.00) Arsenal (1.70)17.00: (1.80) Everton (3.60) Ipswich (4.60)17.00: (1.63) Newcastle (3.90) Hull (5.50)19.30: (1.62) Nott.Forest (4.10) Coventry (5.35)Sunday16.00: (3.15) Bournemouth (3.60) Liverpool (2.20)16.00: (1.80) Leeds (3.60) Crystal Palace (4.60)16.00: (1.30) Man City (5.50) Sunderland (10.0)18.30: (3.40) Fulham (3.50) Man.Utd. (2.10)***odds are subject to change***##SOFASCORE_<iframe id="sofa-standings-embed-1-96668" src="https://widgets.sofascore.com/embed/tournament/1/season/96668/standings?widgetTitle=Premier+League&showCompetitionLogo=true&widgetTheme=light" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" style="width:100%!important; height:1123px!important;max-width:768px!important;"></iframe><div style="font-size:12px;font-family:Arial,sans-serif;text-align:left"> Standings provided by <a target="_blank" href="https://sofascore.com/">Sofascore</a> </div>##
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