Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest: Blues Aim for Six Straight Wins
Chelsea, riding high under new manager Enzo Maresca, will be seeking a sixth consecutive win in all competitions when they welcome Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge on Sunday for another crucial Premier League fixture. Maresca’s side have been on fire, netting 16 goals in their last four matches, while their visitors from Nottingham are looking to bounce back after their first league loss of the season.
Match Preview
Chelsea's recent performances have set the Premier League alight, with the Blues winning back-to-back 4-2 matches against Brighton & Hove Albion and Belgian side Gent in the Europa Conference League. Cole Palmer was the star against Brighton, scoring four goals in one half, while against Gent, Maresca’s men spread the goals around, with Renato Veiga, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall all finding the net.
Currently third in the Premier League, Chelsea have been one of the top-performing teams in attack this season, netting 15 goals before Gameweek 7 kicks off. Their shot conversion rate of 20.3% is the best in the league, highlighting the devastating form of their frontline.
In contrast, Nottingham Forest have been more conservative, securing wins by narrow margins and focusing on tight defensive performances. However, Nuno Espirito Santo’s men tasted defeat for the first time last weekend, falling 1-0 to Fulham after Raul Jimenez's penalty. Despite this setback, Forest remain in a respectable 10th position in the table, six points clear of the relegation zone.
While Forest have been solid on the road, earning 13 points from their last 15 away games, Chelsea will be determined to avenge last season's shock 1-0 home defeat to Forest, where Anthony Elanga scored the only goal. The Blues responded with a 3-2 victory at the City Ground, and they will aim to maintain their excellent recent form at Stamford Bridge.
Team News
Chelsea's injury concerns have lightened, with only Reece James and Omari Kellyman sidelined. Midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka missed the Gent match due to illness but was not expected to start on Sunday. Jadon Sancho, who has set up a goal in each of his three Premier League appearances for Chelsea, is expected to return to the starting lineup, with the chance to match Cesc Fabregas’s record of four assists in his first four league games.
For Nottingham Forest, Morgan Gibbs-White is set to return from suspension, which should boost their creativity in attack. Taiwo Awoniyi could drop to the bench after his half-time substitution against Fulham, paving the way for a possible start for either Anthony Elanga or former Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi. Forest’s injury list includes Ibrahim Sangare and Danilo, who remain unavailable for selection.
Possible Lineups
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Nottingham Forest: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Ward-Prowse, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
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