Nottingham Forest face another tough test this weekend as they travel to Stamford Bridge to face Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea who are looking to make it three wins in a row in all competitions.
Steve Cooper’s men faced Chelsea at Stamford Bridge back in May, clinching a 2-2 draw thanks to a double from Taiwo Awoniyi.
The Reds will be without multiple key first-team members for the game this afternoon.
Joe Worrall is suspended, with Danilo, Orel Mangala and Scott McKenna all potentially out injured for the trip to face the Blues.
Moussa Niakhate made his first start of the season against Burnley in midweek and could potentially continue in the back three today – providing a boost for Cooper’s side.
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Predictions from the pundits
Mark Lawrenson, Chris Sutton and Paul Merson have given their predictions for the clash between Chelsea and Forest at Stamford Bridge.
The pundits are all in agreement that it’ll be difficult for the Reds to come away with anything from the encounter, with the trio all predicting home wins for Pochettino’s side.
Former Arsenal man Merson spoke in detail about the sides and whilst predicting Cooper’s side to taste defeat today, he expects his side to make it tough for a Blues side who have won their last two outings.
“These are the kind of games Chelsea struggle in. When there are 10 men defending behind the ball, the Blues tend to find it difficult to break them down.
“A lot will depend on whether or not Chelsea can break Nottingham Forest early on Saturday. If they can, they will be able to get a third win on the trot here.
“New signing Nicolas Jackson is going to get a lot better. He is lively, quick and strong and will score a lot of goals.
“He’s what I’d call a rough diamond at the moment. Jackson has good players around him and he seems to be striking up a good partnership with Raheem Sterling as well.”