Gameweek 5 opens under the lights at the Gtech Community Stadium on Friday 18 September 2026 (20:00 BST). Brentford shared a six-goal thriller with Bournemouth in GW4 (2–2); Chelsea were held 2–2 by Hull at Stamford Bridge. Igor Thiago and Bryan Mbeumo face Cole Palmer and João Pedro in the first fixture of the round.
Brentford: what changed
Keith Andrews' Brentford have scored in every GW4 fixture but leaked at both ends — the 2–2 with Bournemouth underlined their open style. Thiago remains on penalties; Schade and Carvalho supply width against a Chelsea side that struggled to put Hull away.
Brentford Predicted Starting XI & Lineup · 4-3-3
Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.
Chelsea: team news
Enzo Maresca's Chelsea travel north after the frustrating 2–2 Hull draw at home. Palmer and João Pedro (33 FPL points each through GW4) are the premium picks; Caicedo and James anchor a back line that must tighten after conceding twice to promoted opposition.
Facts to know
- Brentford are 7th in the 2026/27 table on 6 points (7 scored, 4 conceded) through GW4.
- Last time out (GW4): Brentford 2–2 Bournemouth (away).
- Brentford's top FPL asset: Schade (30 pts, £6.0m, 5.8% owned).
- Chelsea have scored 10 and conceded 9 in four games — the leakiest defence among the traditional top six through GW4.
- Brentford drew 2–2 with Bournemouth in GW4 after leading twice; Igor Thiago has been involved in five of their seven goals.
- Palmer and João Pedro share second place in the FPL overall rankings on 33 points each, behind only Jayden Bogle (37).
- Chelsea sit 6th on 7 points with a 10-9 goal record after GW4.
- Chelsea's leading FPL scorer: João Pedro (33 pts at £7.8m).
Where it turns
Brentford's direct transitions through Thiago vs Chelsea's structured build-up via Palmer — expect an open Friday night with both sides targeting three points before the Saturday cluster.
Recent history
Chelsea took four points from Brentford last season; the Bees have improved at home under Andrews but Friday nights at the Gtech are rarely straightforward for visitors.
FPL picks to watch
- Cole Palmer (Chelsea, MID): premium GW5 pick on pens and set pieces.
- Igor Thiago (Brentford, FWD): home focal striker after GW4 goal involvement.
- João Pedro (Chelsea, FWD): 33 FPL points — links play behind Thiago.
- Bryan Schade (Brentford, MID): shots and creativity at the Gtech.
- Predictor: Brentford 1–2 Chelsea.
Verdict
Palmer's quality tells on a Friday night. Prediction: Brentford 1–2 Chelsea.