Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has described his early work at Stamford Bridge as an update, not a reset. The 44-year-old, who signed a four-year contract in May, is focusing on improving the existing squad as they sit sixth in the Premier League with seven points from four games.

Alonso's side face a key test on Friday night away to Brentford, who are one place below them in seventh. "Not a reset - it was an update, I would say," Alonso told reporters. "To change or to take decisions in another direction." He acknowledged the challenge of rebuilding a team that finished tenth last season, missing European football for the third time in four years.

Early season form

Chelsea's start under Alonso has been mixed, with two wins, a draw and a defeat in the league, plus two Carabao Cup victories. Their most recent outing was a 2-2 draw at home to Hull City last weekend, where João Pedro scored a second-half equaliser. The Brazilian forward is Chelsea's top scorer this season with three goals in four appearances, though his fitness for the Brentford game is being assessed after he withdrew from the Brazil squad with an injury.

Alonso said no player is definitively ruled out and a decision on Pedro, along with striker Emmanuel Emegha, will be made after the final training session on Friday. The manager's pragmatic approach extends to his expectations. "If I look for perfection, I will be frustrated always," he added.

The derby challenge

The trip to the Gtech Community Stadium kicks off at 8pm on Friday. It represents a chance for Chelsea to build on a recent run of three wins from their last five matches in all competitions. Their form guide reads DWLWW, with a 6-3 victory over Leeds United and a 4-3 win against Brighton among the highlights.

With the team having scored ten goals but conceded nine so far this campaign, defensive solidity will be a focus. Alonso's update philosophy will be tested in the intensity of a west London derby. The manager's immediate task is to guide his team to a result that keeps them in touch with the early pacesetters, currently five points behind leaders Arsenal. Fans can check the latest league positions on our standings page.

João Pedro's potential involvement remains a key subplot, given his importance to the attack. His goal against Hull came from an assist by Cole Palmer, who has also been influential. Chelsea's squad depth and current injury situation are detailed on our injuries page. The final team news will be confirmed an hour before the 8pm kick-off on Friday.

This story first appeared at Sky Sports Football