Paul Merson has shared his match prediction ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.
Chelsea travel to Nottingham Forest on Saturday to play in the Premier League, with both teams still desperate for points for different reasons.
The Blues currently sit seventh in the league table and have three games left to try seal European qualification. In fairness, Mauricio Pochettino’s side beat both Tottenham and West Ham last week to catapult themselves back into the European race.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest are 17th in the division table and just above the relegation zone. They may still need points in their final two matches of the season to stay up, depending on results elsewhere.
Forest beat Chelsea 1-0 at Stamford Bridge back in September courtesy of Anthony Elanga’s goal. Can they now complete a famous league double this weekend?
Paul Merson predicts Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
Paul Merson has claimed that he’s still not quite convinced which Chelsea side will turn up despite their recent improvement.
He’s gone with a score draw in the upcoming league fixture between Forest and the Blues.
“Todd Boehly praised Chelsea’s recent run of form in an interview earlier today but I don’t want that to cover over their cracks. They’ve been a bag of revels this season under Mauricio Pochettino – you never quite know what you’re going to get from them!” Merson told Sportskeeda.
“Forest are decent at home and might not need anymore points to stay up if Luton don’t get a positive result. However, they are still fighting for safety and will be on their toes to add to their points tally, so I’m going for a draw.
“Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Chelsea.”
Blues injury list grows shorter by the week
It’s been well documented how unfortunate Chelsea have been throughout the entire 2023/24 campaign when it comes to injuries.
In the injury list table released by the club before every game, Blues supporters have become used to seeing 10-plus first-team names on there regularly.
There’s some good news ahead of Nottingham Forest because players are now returning to fitness, though.
Chelsea confirmed via their official website that Reece James, Lesley Ugochukwu and Robert Sanchez are back training. That leaves a quintet of players definitely unavailable against Forest.
- Ben Chilwell – continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme.
- Carney Chukwuemeka – continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme.
- Enzo Fernandez – continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme.
- Wesley Fofana – continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme.
- Romeo Lavia – continuing to undergo his rehabilitation programme.