Overview
Chelsea are undergoing a dramatic transformation under new coach Enzo Maresca. From a dispirited and lifeless team last season, The Blues have become one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Premier League this season.
The 4-2 win over Gent in the Europa Conference League was the Blues' fifth consecutive win in all competitions.
Chelsea's attack is in great form, scoring 18 goals in the last 5 matches. Cole Palmer is the most prominent name with 5 goals. The appearance of new signing Jadon Sancho helps The Blues have another creative player in the attack, thereby sharing the responsibility with Palmer. Therefore, the former Manchester City player has more space to finish.
Nottingham Forest are not in as good form as Chelsea but are also ranked 10th in the Premier League. Before their surprise defeat to Fulham at home in round 6, Nottingham were unbeaten with 2 wins and 3 draws.
The most impressive of these was the 1-0 victory over Liverpool at Anfield. They defeated Liverpool, Southampton and drew with Brighton away from home. That was a clear demonstration of the impressive away form of coach Nuno Santo's team.
Therefore, although playing at home at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea cannot underestimate their opponents. The Blues are still the team that is rated higher and has many advantages in hand. However, if they play without concentration, they can be completely punished by Nottingham.
Chelsea have failed to beat Nottingham in three of the four meetings between the two sides, but the Blues' only win in that time came towards the end of last season.
Last season, Nottingham won a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge, thanks to Anthony Elanga's only goal.
Human resources situation
Chelsea have a largely full-strength squad, with the exception of Reece James and Omari Kellyman, both of whom are recovering from thigh injuries.
On the other side of the front line, Nottingham will welcome Morgan Gibbs-White back to the squad after the English player completed his 1-match suspension. In addition, Ibrahim Sangare and Danilo still have to continue to recover from injuries.
Expected lineup:
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.
The match between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest takes place at 20:00 on October 6 (Vietnam time).
