Chelsea host Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge this weekend, with Enzo Maresca’s side brimming with confidence after a fifth consecutive victory, beating Gent 4-2 in the UEFA Conference League.
Maresca’s rotation of the entire starting XI against Gent, following a 4-2 win over Brighton in the league, demonstrates the squad’s depth and suggests Chelsea will be fresh and ready for this clash.
The Blues’ standout form has been fueled by their relentless attacking prowess, with 4+ goals in three consecutive matches.
In Premier League action, Chelsea lead the goal-scoring charts with 15 goals heading into this round.
Their attacking fluidity has made them one of the most dangerous teams in the league, and they’ll be looking to extend that run against a defensively solid Nottingham Forest.
However, Forest, under Nuno Espírito Santo, have been strong at the back, boasting one of the best defensive records in the league with just five goals conceded.
Despite their resilience, Forest have struggled to turn that into results, winning just one of their last five matches (D2, L2).
That victory was a significant one, though, as they managed a 1-0 win at Anfield against Liverpool, showcasing their ability to upset the big teams.
Forest have recent history on their side at Stamford Bridge, having beaten Chelsea 1-0 in this fixture last season. If they can repeat that result, it would mark the first time since 1908 that Forest have won successive matches at Stamford Bridge.
Additionally, Forest come into this game unbeaten in their last five Premier League away games (W4, D1), aiming to extend that run to six, something they haven’t achieved since May 1995.
Players to Watch:
– Chelsea: Cole Palmer is in scintillating form, having been directly involved in 43 goals since the start of the 2023/24 season (28 goals, 15 assists).
His four-goal haul against Brighton last week showed just how lethal he can be in front of goal.
– Nottingham Forest: Former Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi is one to keep an eye on. He scored the winning goal in Forest’s victory over Liverpool and found the back of the net against Chelsea in a 3-2 defeat last season.
Forest have struggled in recent trips to London, losing their last four Premier League visits and conceding 3+ goals in each of those defeats.
They’ll need to tighten up if they hope to leave Stamford Bridge with a positive result.
Potential Lineups:
Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 : Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Nottingham Forest: 4-4-2; Sels, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Anderson, Ward-Prowse, Yates, Dominguez; Hudson-Odoi, Awoniyi.
Score Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Nottingham Forest
Where to watch:
United Kingdom: The game has not been chosen for TV coverage.
United States: NBC USA Network
Canada: fuboTV Canada
India: Hotstar, JioTV
China: iQiy,i Migu, QQ Sports Live
Australia: Optus Sport
Nigeria: SuperSports.
Conclusion:
With Chelsea firing on all cylinders and Forest’s recent defensive form wavering against top sides, the Blues will be expected to maintain their winning streak.
Forest, however, could pose a tough challenge if they can recapture the form that saw them beat Liverpool at Anfield.
