Brentford boss Thomas Frank feels Raheem Sterling has been the ‘most dangerous’ player for Chelsea this season as the forward is now ‘getting back’ to his best level.
The Bees boss is preparing for the Blues to visit the Gtech Community Stadium and expects Sterling to cause his side problems. Brentford welcome Chelsea in the west London derby on Saturday afternoon. Both clubs will be hoping for a vital win amid their respective situations.
Chelsea will go to Brentford still bouncing back from their late Carabao Cup final heartbreak last Sunday against Liverpool. Mauricio Pochettino’s squad are also only 11th in the Premier League table through 25 games. While Brentford sit in just 16th with relegation a real threat.
Table of Contents
Brentford boss Frank feels Sterling is Chelsea’s ‘most dangerous’ player
Only five points separate Brentford from Luton Town in the relegation zone, with the Hatters also holding one game in hand. But Frank will look fondly on the Bees’ recent record against the Blues. Brentford have beaten Chelsea in three of their past four clashes and drawn once.
Goals from Ethan Pinnock (58’) and Bryan Mbeumo (90’+6) secured the Bees a 2-0 result at Stamford Bridge in October. Sterling started the match for Chelsea but could not influence a goal against Brentford. Yet Frank now feels the 29-year-old has been the Blues’ main threat.
“Raheem Sterling is probably in his best age and is getting back to his high level,” Frank said, via quotes by the Mirror. “He has been the most dangerous player for Chelsea this season.”
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
Palmer has a higher Premier League goal involvement rate than Sterling
While Sterling could not influence a goal as Chelsea lost 2-0 to Brentford in October, the 82-cap England international has scored six and assisted a further six goals over his 23 Premier League games this term. He has eight goals and nine assists in 33 games in all competitions.
Chelsea’s defeat to Brentford further preceded his best run in front of the net all season as Sterling reacted by assisting once at Tottenham Hotspur before scoring against Manchester City and Newcastle United. He has only influenced goals in three straight games once more.
Sterling made assists in three straight Premier League appearances against Sheffield United, Wolves and Fulham around the New Year. But a yellow card suspension ruled him out of the Blues’ win over Crystal Palace before taking a seat on the bench at Luton during that period.
Additionally, Cole Palmer (10) and Nicolas Jackson (7) have scored more goals in the Premier League this season than Sterling. Palmer, who has scored five times from the penalty spot so far, also matches his compatriot for assists through his 21 appearances against Sterling’s 23.
