Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Nottingham Forest need results to go their way but could squeeze themselves into the top five against a fellow competitor for UEFA Champions League qualification, Chelsea.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – Universo
Nottingham Forest preview: Good season no matter what
Nottingham Forest have wobbled in the last couple of months, in both the Premier League and the FA Cup, but Nuno Espirito Santo’s side have pushed back towards the UEFA Champions League spots after a 2-1 defeat of West Ham United at the London Stadium last weekend.
Forest took the lead in the 11th minute via England international midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White before Serbia international defender Nikola Milenkovic made it 2-0 mid-way through the second-half with Jarrod Bowen then scoring a late consolation for the Hammers.
Chelsea preview: Unconvincing Blues
Chelsea head into the UEFA Europa Conference League final in Wroclaw in Poland in a few days when the Blues take on Real Betis but their first and foremost priority throughout the season has been claiming a top five spot and UEFA Champions League qualification this year.
The Blues recovered from a recent 2-0 loss to Newcastle United at St James’ Park a couple of weeks ago to edge past a poor Manchester United by a goal to nil at Stamford Bridge last weekend thanks to a second-half strike from Spain international defender Marc Cucurella.
Nottingham Forest team news: Murillo a doubt
Key centre-back Murillo is a bit of a doubt for Forest this weekend after an injury sustained against West Ham. Taiwo Awoniyi remains unavailable, whilst Nuno Espírito Santo has said that there is other team news but didn’t expand any further on that.
Predicted XI (4-1-2-1-2): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Sangare; Dominguez, Anderson; Gibbs-White; Wood, Elanga
Unavailable: Awoniyi (Injured)
Questionable: Murillo (Injured), Da Silva Moreira (Injured)
Chelsea team news: Sancho returns but Jackson still suspended
Chelsea will have both Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu available for this weekend, as well as Jadon Sancho - who missed last week against his parent club. However, they do remain without Nicolas Jackson, who is missing through suspension.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; George
Unavailable: Fofana (Injured), Anselmino (Injured), Kellyman (Injured), Mudryk (Disciplinary), Jackson (Suspended)
Questionable:
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea prediction
Nottingham Forest will have a raucous atmosphere behind them as they seek a return to Europe’s elite club competition. No matter what happens, they will be in Europe next season but they will be aware that it could be a day that fulfils a fairytale season. They face a Chelsea side that have been getting results throughout this calendar year with performances declining the further Enzo Maresca gets into his tenure at Stamford Bridge and, whilst it may not be enough, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Forest force victory at the City Ground.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea tip: Double chance – Nottingham Forest to win or draw
