Express Sport takes a look at how Chelsea could line up against Nottingham Forest (Image: GETTY)
Enzo Maresca is likely to make wholesale changes to his Chelsea side for this weekend’s game against Nottingham Forest. A much-changed team beat Genk in midweek but the usual starters will be ready to come back in at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Chelsea have registered four wins and one draw from their last five Premier League games and will be hoping to maintain their strong form against Forest. Another victory would see them keep the pressure on Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal at the top of the table.
Forest have also enjoyed a decent start to the campaign with just one defeat in their opening six matches. They beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last season and will be hoping for a repeat performance to boost their hopes of a top-half finish.
Express Sport takes a look at how Chelsea could line up against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side…
Enzo Maresca will be hoping to maintain Chelsea’s winning form on Sunday (Image: GETTY)
Chelsea predicted XI vs Forest (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper – Sanchez
Robert Sanchez has firmly established himself as Chelsea’s number one after coming in and out of the team last season. Djordje Petrovic finished the previous campaign as the preferred choice but has since been deposed by his Spanish team-mate.
Sanchez will be hoping to keep his third clean sheet of the Premier League season with a strong display between the sticks against Forest.
Defence – Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella
Reece James is the only injured defender on Chelsea’s books at the moment and is yet to make his return to full fitness. It means Malo Gusto will continue at right-back with Marc Cucurella on the opposite flank.
In the middle, it seems likely that Wesley Fofana will be partnered by Levi Colwill despite the pair shipping two goals against Brighton last weekend.
Don’t miss…
Rasmus Hojlund issues statement after deleted Instagram post sparks backlash [LATEST]
Enzo Maresca gives verdict on Chelsea rivalling Man City and Arsenal for title [NEWS]
Liverpool target details telling chat with Salah as Reds ‘weigh up January bid’ [GOSSIP]
Midfield – Caicedo, Fernandez, Palmer
Moises Caicedo has enjoyed an impressive start to the campaign and will almost certainly keep his place in midfield. He is likely to be joined by Enzo Fernandez, who has started every game he has been available for in the Premier League this season.
Cole Palmer will be hoping to get himself on the scoresheet again following his impressive four-goal haul against Brighton last time around, having missed out on the Conference League win over Gent.
Attack – Madueke, Sancho, Jackson
Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho look set to occupy the wide positions for Chelsea, with both players able to contribute goals and assists. Sancho is still waiting to get off the mark for the Blues but will be looking to open his account against Forest.
Nicolas Jackson, meanwhile, should feature as the central striker to complete a full-strength attacking line-up for Chelsea.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Forest (4-2-3-1) – Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1957530/Chelsea-team-news-Predicted-XI-Nottingham-Forest-Cole-Palmer-Jadon-Sancho