Chelsea v Nottingham Forest: Preview, Team News and Predictions
Chelsea are set to welcome Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, September 2nd with the aim of building off a couple of well-earned wins.
The Blues haven’t won three consecutive matches since March, and actually started last weekend with eight winless home games in the Premier League. The mood will certainly be lighter in West London now, as the club is also preparing a final launch into the transfer deadline to put a close to what has been a remarkable overhaul.
There are ample records Chelsea will have to dust off after a dreadful season, but the focus for a rejuvenated team under Mauricio Pochettino will be another home win against Steve Cooper’s unit.
The Tricky Trees almost pulled off a heist at Old Trafford after going 2-0 up inside the opening five minutes, but a red card and a Bruno Fernandes-inspired comeback saw Manchester United running away as deserved winners.
Numbers may not necessarily underline Forest’s season, as they’ve been well-drilled at the back and hold a great shape against stronger opponents – a thing or two Chelsea will have to be wary of.
In Taiwo Ayoniyi, they have what Chelsea currently lack – a goal scorer who can finish half-chances and spearhead the team on counterattacks.
Can Chelsea continue their merry way heading into the international break? Or will Nottingham Forest spring a surprise? Here’s all you need to know ahead of the highly anticipated fixture.
Team News
Chelsea
Pochettino rang the changes against AFC Wimbledon, and the likes of Thiago Silva, record signing Moises Caicedo and Ben Chilwell should slot straight back into the starting XI.
The injury list continues to grow for the hosts, as Mykhailo Mudryk joins as many as seven players on the treatment table.
Marc Cucurella, who started down the left in the EFL Cup tie, could be on his way to Manchester United before the window slams shut.
Chelsea’s newest addition Cole Palmer could make his debut, as the club is inching closer to unveiling him following a £45 million move from champions Manchester City.
Nottingham Forest
Chelsea loanee Andrey Santos will have to wait for his debut in red since he’s ineligible to face his parent club. Joe Worrall will be allowed to make his way back after a one-match suspension.
Meanwhile, Scott McKenna, Felip and Orel Mangala are all injured. Forest will also hope they can hold on to Brennan Johnson amid intensified interests from Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford.
Predicted XI
Chelsea probable line-up (3-5-2):
Sanchez; Disasi, Colwill, Silva; Gusto, Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher, Chilwell; Sterling, Jackson
Nottingham Forest probable line-up (3-4-2-1):
Turner; Boly, Niakhate, Worrall; Aurier, Danilo, Yates, Aina; Johnson, Gibbs-White; Awoniyi
Match Prediction
It appears as though Chelsea need sharpening in the final third. The running into the box as well as the creativity is brimming, but there’s a lot left to be desired when finishing is considered.
Forest’s low block could prove frustrating for a team that has lost to similar playing styles. We expect the visitors to forestall the Blues.
Final score: Chelsea 1-1 Nottingham Forest
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: Erik Drost. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.