Game Week 4 Predictions: Chelsea to beat Forest

Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest preview: Blues on the rise under Pochettino, Forest's transfers, key players to watch, prediction.

Chelsea has points to prove against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, they must find ways to assure fans of stability and consistency. (Photo credit: GOAL)

 

Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest

Stamford Bridge

3:00pm

The Blues have won back-to-back games for the first time in months after beating Sheffield last weekend and then Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup.

Mauricio Pochettino has introduced a different playing pattern at Chelsea, and despite the struggles due to injuries, fans can see what he’s trying to do. While it may take time, the signs are there that Chelsea will perform well this season.

Nottingham Forest has had another interesting transfer window, and the squad looks a lot better than it did last season. Brennan Johnson has left for Tottenham, but lots of names have walked into the dressing room, and fans must be wondering how Steve Cooper would get into his 23-man squad.

A loss at Arsenal on the opening day was followed by a home win over Sheffield United before a spirited performance at Old Trafford ended in tears over a 3-2 loss. Forest can take solace in the fact that they rattled one of the big boys, which would bring that energy to this game.

Chelsea beat Luton 3-0 last weekend, with Raheem Sterling and Malo Gusto starring as the lead cast. It was the rebirth of the England winger, and he can pick things up here against Forest and re-establish himself as a force.

Forest got in Divock Origi from AC Milan, a shock transfer, but it’s great to see the former Liverpool man back in the Premier League. Taiwo Awoniyi is firing on all cylinders, and Emmanuel Denis is also waiting in the wings. Forest looks good to go even without Brennan Johnson.

Forest can’t field two of their new players as they’re loan signings from Chelsea, and the Premier League rule says you can’t play against your parent clubs, meaning Callum Hudson, Odoi, and Andre Santos won’t be playing on Saturday.

Chelsea can welcome Romeo Lavia for his home debut, while the players who were rested against Wimbledon can be restored to the starting lineup. It’s a game that should return the Blues to their glory days, as a win would shoot Chelsea up the ladder.

Nicolas Jackson and Sterling are the ones to watch out for here. Mhkhailo Mudryk has a lot to prove at Stamford Bridge; he has to start showing signs of greatness. Noni Madueke had a great game in midweek; he can follow that up with another great performance against Forest.

Verdict: Straight win Chelsea