Chelsea are on the verge of winning three consecutive matches in a row if they manage to beat Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge at 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 2.
The Blues are going into the game with three wins and one defeat in the last four games across all competitions. But the good news is that they recorded their first win in the 2023-2024 Premier League season by beating newly promoted Luton Town at Stamford on August 25.
Before this relief, they recorded a 1-1 draw with Liverpool in their league opener and followed that up with a 3-1 defeat at the hands of West Ham United.
On Wednesday, August 30, Chelsea managed to defeat Championship side AFC Wimbledon 2-1 to book their place in the third round of the Carabao Cup which means that they will be going into the Forest game with a winning mentality.
On the other hand, Nottingham Forest have proven to be a hard nut to crack so far this season, just like they ended last season. Such a performance helped them to escape relegation and they seem determined to maintain it this season.
However, they have not been so fortunate in winning games as they have recorded three defeats and one win in their last four games.
Nottingham Forest started their Premier League campaign with a slim defeat to Arsenal but bounced back against Sheffield United with a 2-1 win.
Unfortunately for them, they returned to losing ways as they suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Manchester United at Old Trafford. Their lowest point so far this season was losing 0-1 at home against Burnley in the second round of the EFL Cup on Wednesday, August 30.
Hence, they are going to Stamford Bridge with the understanding that they have just the Premier League and probably the FA Cup to fight for this season. Since there is a high possibility of not winning either titles, they will aim to remain in the Premier League at the end of this season.
Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest: Team News
Coach Mauricio Pochettino has downplayed an injury to Levi Colwill after their narrow Carabao Cup triumph over AFC Wimbledon, hence, the youngster will be available to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
However, the coach will face Nottingham Forest without Trevoh Chalobah (thigh), Armando Broja (knee), Wesley Fofana (knee), Marcus Bettinelli (unspecified), Christopher Nkunku (knee), Carney Chukwuemeka (thigh), Reece James (unspecified), Mykhaylo Mudryk (unspecified), and Marcus Bettinelli (unspecified).
As for Nottingham Forest, the club might not have their center-back, Joe Worrall, available because he lost his uncle this week. He is also serving a game suspension for the red card he received against Manchester United on August 26.
Apart from him, coach Steve Cooper is expected to be without Scott McKenna (hamstring), Andrey Santos (unspecified), Felipe (knee), Wayne Hennessey (knee), and Orel Mangala (unspecified).
Chelsea’s probable starting lineup:
Sanchez; Disasi, Colwill, Silva; Gusto, Fernandez, Caicedo, Gallagher, Chilwell; Sterling, Jackson
Nottingham Forest’s probable starting lineup: Turner; Boly, Niakhate, Worrall; Aurier, Danilo, Yates, Aina; Johnson, Gibbs-White; Awoniyi
Prediction:
Chelsea have a 70 percent chance of beating Nottingham Forest who just have a 12 percent chance of recording three points at Stamford Bridge. Hence, Chelsea will win with a 3-1 scoreline.
