Mauricio Pochettino’s time as Chelsea manager is gaining momentum as Nottingham Forest prepares to visit Stamford Bridge this Saturday, marking the final Premier League matchday before the international break.
After a challenging start with two winless games in his third managerial tenure in England, the Argentine coach finally experienced the sweet taste of victory last weekend when Chelsea convincingly defeated Luton Town 3-0.
Raheem Sterling scored twice, with Nicolas Jackson adding his first Premier League goal, leading Chelsea to a morale-boosting victory. This win ended their eight-game winless streak in west London, where they had drawn five matches and lost three.
Pochettino’s mixed start as manager in the capital has raised some questions about Chelsea’s 2023-24 season outlook. However, they are still expected to be competitive in a tightly contested European race.
Must Read: Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest – Chelsea’s Predicted Lineup | EPL 23-24
In midweek League Cup action, Enzo Fernandez was the standout performer as the Blues came from behind to defeat AFC Wimbledon 2-1, setting the stage nicely for their upcoming match.
Watch Mauricio Pochettino preview #CheNot! https://t.co/qk1J5qUxKJ
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 1, 2023
On the other hand, visiting Forest had contrasting results in the League Cup, suffering a 1-0 defeat to newly-promoted Burnley at the City Ground, extending their poor form at the start of the new season.
Apart from a late 2-1 home win against Sheffield United on matchday two, the Tricky Trees have lost their other two Premier League games in the 2023-24 season, aligning with expectations set in their Forest season preview.
Steven Cooper’s side experienced a heart-wrenching 3-2 defeat at United last weekend, squandering an early 2-0 lead.
Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest: Form Guide
Chelsea secured their first Premier League clean sheet at Stamford Bridge since April, notably after drawing both top-flight encounters against Forest last season, with the visiting team leading 1-0 at half-time in both matches.
These draws are part of Chelsea’s impressive nine-game unbeaten streak against Forest in all competitions, with seven wins and two draws.
Their last loss in a head-to-head match against Forest dates back to 1997. Additionally, the Blues have scored at least two goals in eight of these nine meetings, suggesting that Pochettino’s revamped frontline could have another successful outing.
However, the away side has had a tough start to the new season, with back-to-back Premier League away defeats. Last season, they had a poor away record, earning just one win, five draws, and suffering 13 losses on the road.
Also Read: Manchester United make approach to sign Chelsea wing-back Marc Cucurella on loan
Forest’s defensive struggles are evident, as they have failed to keep a clean sheet in 12 consecutive away league matches since defeating Southampton 1-0 in January.
An update ahead of #CheNot tomorrow.
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) September 1, 2023
They conceded multiple goals in ten of those 12 games, including a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge in May.
Their best chance of causing an upset lies in their prolific striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, who has scored in his last seven Premier League appearances, becoming the first Forest player to achieve this milestone.
Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest: Team News
Chelsea enters the match with a significant number of injuries affecting key players, including Armando Broja, Trevoh Chalobah, Carney Chukwuemeka, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, and Christopher Nkunku, all of whom are sidelined.
Pochettino is concerned about the fitness of Romeo Lavia and Mykhailo Mudryk, with uncertainties about whether they will be able to participate in the match.
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On the Nottingham Forest side, senior goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and first-choice centre-back Scott McKenna are unavailable for selection. Additionally, Orel Mangala is facing a race against time to be included in the squad.
Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest: Potential starting lineups
Chelsea:
Formation: 3-5-2
Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez
Defenders: Alex Disasi, Levi Colwill, Thiago Silva
Midfielders: Malo Gusto, Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Conor Gallagher, Ben Chilwell
Forwards: Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Jackson
Nottingham Forest:
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Goalkeeper: Matt Turner
Defenders: Willy Boly, Moussa Niakhate, Joe Worrall
Midfielders: Serge Aurier, Danilo, Ryan Yates, Ola Aina
Attacking Midfielders: Brennan Johnson, Morgan Gibbs-White
Forward: Taiwo Awoniyi
Our Final Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Nottingham Forest
With Sterling and Jackson in good form, Chelsea are likely to pose a significant threat against Forest, especially considering the visitor’s vulnerable defence.
However, it’s important to keep an eye on the recent form of Awoniyi and he can trouble Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez.
