Chelsea travel to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening as they look to push further into the European positions.
There are plenty of talking points for this fixture as both sides are in desperate need of points. Forest play their first match since their points deduction appeal was rejected, meaning they stay just three points above the drop zone.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have found some good form that has seen them climb up the table and right into the European race.
Here’s everything you need to know about the fixture.
Form
Nottingham Forest: LDLLW
In their second season back in the English top flight Forest have flattered to deceive. Their aggressive spending brought about a four-point deduction for financial breaches in March, and earlier this week the decision was upheld after appeal.
Without the deduction, they would currently be safe from relegation. However, as of right now they sit very much in trouble, somewhere not many people would’ve predicted given the quality of their squad.
Luton and Burnley are the two clubs below that can mathematically catch them, and if they were both to win their final two games then Forest would need to pick up a minimum of four points. Therefore, a result this weekend is vital.
If neither Luton nor Burnley win this weekend, then a point could also see Forest safely over the line in their bid to remain a Premier League club.
Forest were on a run of four games without a victory heading into their meeting with Sheffield United last weekend, but a brace of Callum Hudson-Odoi helped them come from behind to pick up just their eighth win of the season.
Looking to end our home campaign on a high.
Nuno previews #NFOCHE ????
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 10, 2024
Those three points gave them some breathing space heading into the final two games, but by no means will anyone at the club be feeling comfortable.
As for the team news, their only absentee will be full-back Neco Williams, who could yet return for the final week of the season.
Chelsea: LLDWW
Chelsea have found some decent form in the past two months which has come at a great time with the clubs around them stumbling.
They’ve lost just one of their last 12 league matches but the consistency has not quite been there for them either, with five of those games ending in draws.
After a humiliating 5-0 defeat at the hands of Arsenal was followed by a draw with Aston Villa, Chelsea have gone on to keep back-to-back clean sheets in the league for the first time this season.
A 2-0 victory against Tottenham Hotspur was built on last weekend when they thrashed West Ham 5-0.
Those results saw Chelsea move up to seventh in the table, a position that could result in a European spot next season.
While they still need to be wary of the chasing pack that includes Manchester United, the Blues will have their eyes on Newcastle, who are in sixth and just two points above them.
A double swoop for our number 2️⃣0️⃣.
Congratulations to your Men’s Player of the Year – Cole Palmer! ???????? pic.twitter.com/TJsj1fslih
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 7, 2024
Like Forest, Chelsea were also recently boosted by the return of key players from injury. However, their absentee list remains long, with Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana and Enzo Fernandez all out.
Previous Meeting
The two clubs are nearing 100 meetings, a landmark that will be met next season if Forest stay in the Premier League.
Chelsea have won 40 games against the Reds and have lost 27, with 30 meetings ending as a draw. Just eight of those games have come since the turn of the century, and since Forests’ return to the top flight, they are unbeaten against Saturday’s opponents.
A goal from Anthony Elanga saw Forest continue that record with a 1-0 victory in their previous meeting back in September.
Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest: Sels; Montiel, Boly, Murillo, Aina; Yates, Danilo; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odio; Awoniyi.
Chelsea: Petrovic; Gusto, Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella; Gallagher, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson.
Who is the referee?
Tony Harrington.
Is the game on TV?
UK – Sky Sports.
What time is kick-off?
17:30 BST, Saturday 11 May.
Odds
Nottingham Forest – 5/2
Draw – 29/10
Chelsea – 19/20
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