Brentford vs. Chelsea LIVE: Premier League updates as Danny Welbeck, Jordan Henderson start for Chelsea

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Alonso: The former owners played a huge part in Chelsea's growth (0:46)

Brentford host London rivals Chelsea in the Premier League's Friday evening action, and you can follow live with ESPN.

The hosts are one place and one point behind Chelsea in the table in seventh, though both sides can go third, if only temporarily, with a win at the Gtech Community Stadium.

Chelsea are coming off a defeat to Arsenal and a draw with newly-promoted Hull City in the league, while Brentford are unbeaten so far this term.

- Xabi Alonso thanks Todd Boehly, Mark Walter after Chelsea sale
- João Pedro withdraws from Brazil squad with injury

It's been another eventful week behind the scenes at Chelsea with the news that co-owners Todd Boehly and Mark Walter have sold their stakes in the club.

Boehly and Walter have sold their stakes in Chelsea -- having each owned 12.83% -- to give Clearlake Capital -- which previously held 61.5% -- full control of the London club.

The consortium bought Chelsea in 2022 for £2.5 billion ($3.3 billion), with a further £1.75 billion ($2.3 billion) committed to investment. The club's sale came after former owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by alleged ties to Russia president Vladimir Putin following the country's invasion of Ukraine.

Swiss philanthropist Hansjörg Wyss, who also owned a 12.83% stake, will remain a partner in the ownership group, the club has confirmed.

Chelsea manager Alonso said it was time to "move on together."

"I think it is an important day for the club when there is an important change in the structure of the club, new ownership," Alonso told a news conference on Thursday.

"Thanks to the former owners for what they have done. I was not here but I know that they played an important role. And now that Behdad [Eghbali] is taking more control, or almost full control, I think it is good that the main one is clear."