Chelsea are on a remarkable run of form as they prepare to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Under the guidance of Enzo Maresca, the Blues have been steadily climbing the table, showing improvement across all areas of the pitch. Sunday’s match at Stamford Bridge offers them the opportunity to maintain their momentum before the international break. Coming off a five-match winning streak, Chelsea will be eager to extend that run against a Nottingham Forest side that has one of the most resilient defenses in the division.
The recent performances of Chelsea’s attacking players have been nothing short of impressive. Cole Palmer, in particular, was the standout performer in their recent clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, scoring four goals in a dazzling first-half display. While Palmer has grabbed the headlines, the contributions of other forwards, including Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, have been pivotal in Chelsea’s surge up the table. Despite a shaky start to the season, Chelsea seem to have found their rhythm in attack, but they will need to be mindful of Forest’s organized defense, which could present a stern test.
As Chelsea look to continue their positive run, let’s break down the likely lineup they could field against Nottingham Forest on Sunday, exploring each player’s role and current form.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Robert Sanchez
Robert Sanchez has had a mixed start to his Chelsea career since joining from Brighton in the summer. His performance against his former club was riddled with errors, but he was fortunate that Palmer’s attacking exploits masked those defensive frailties. While Sanchez remains Chelsea’s first-choice goalkeeper, there are questions about his consistency, and with Filip Jorgensen providing competition, he will need to step up and deliver a more assured performance against Forest. The Spaniard has been prone to lapses in concentration, and Nottingham Forest, with their ability to hit on the counter-attack, could punish any mistakes at the back.
Right-Back: Malo Gusto
Malo Gusto has been given the opportunity to shine in Reece James’ absence due to injury, and while he has shown flashes of brilliance, his performance against Brighton raised some concerns. He struggled to cope with the pace and trickery of Kaoru Mitoma, one of the most dangerous wingers in the league. On Sunday, Gusto will face another tough test against Nottingham Forest’s pacey wide players. With his attacking prowess, Gusto will look to provide width and support the right flank, but he must also be defensively disciplined to avoid getting caught out in transition.
Centre-Back: Wesley Fofana
Wesley Fofana has been a key player in Chelsea’s defense, and despite the team’s recent attacking success, the backline has not been without its issues. Fofana’s solid performances in the early part of the season have helped stabilize the defense, even though the team has been prone to conceding goals. As one of Chelsea’s most dependable defenders, Fofana will need to be at his best to deal with Forest’s forward players, particularly on set-pieces and counter-attacks. His composure on the ball and ability to read the game will be vital in keeping Forest’s attacks at bay.
Centre-Back: Levi Colwill
Levi Colwill’s progression has been one of the highlights of Chelsea’s season so far. The Cobham academy graduate has earned a call-up to the England national team for the October international break, where he could even be deployed as a left-back. However, for Chelsea, Colwill has primarily operated as a center-back, and his performances have been mature and assured. His passing ability from the back has been a key asset, and his confidence is growing with every game. Against Forest, Colwill will be tasked with breaking up play and ensuring that Chelsea can quickly transition from defense to attack.
Left-Back: Marc Cucurella
Another former Brighton player, Marc Cucurella, did not have the best of outings against his former club. He was far from his best in the chaotic match against the Seagulls but should be fresh for Sunday’s game after sitting out Chelsea’s midweek victory over Gent. Cucurella’s role will be crucial in balancing defensive duties and supporting Chelsea’s attacks down the left flank. Nottingham Forest’s defensive solidity means Chelsea may need to rely on their full-backs to create overloads and provide width, which puts added pressure on Cucurella to deliver.
Defensive Midfield: Moises Caicedo
Moises Caicedo has found his feet after a difficult debut season at Chelsea. Under Maresca, Caicedo has started to show the qualities that made him one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League. His ability to break up play, win tackles, and distribute the ball quickly has been key to Chelsea’s improved performances. Caicedo will be pivotal in controlling the midfield against Forest, who are likely to play with a compact shape and look to frustrate Chelsea’s attackers. Without the high-intensity pressing that Brighton employed, Caicedo may have more time and space to dictate play from deep.
Defensive Midfield: Enzo Fernandez
Alongside Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez will pull the strings in Chelsea’s midfield. Fernandez’s range of passing and vision came to the fore against Brighton, where he was instrumental in opening up their defense. Against Forest, Fernandez will have to be even more creative, as Steve Cooper’s side is known for their defensive discipline and organization. Fernandez’s ability to play between the lines and pick out runners in behind will be key to breaking down Forest’s low block. Additionally, his work rate and energy will be needed to prevent Forest from gaining any foothold in midfield.
Right Wing: Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke has enjoyed a productive start to the season, with his standout performance coming in a hat-trick display against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Since that game, Madueke has cemented his place as a regular starter on the right wing. While he hasn’t matched the heights of his Wolverhampton performance, his direct running and ability to stretch defenses have been valuable to Chelsea’s attacking play. Madueke will need to be at his best against Forest, who will look to limit space and prevent him from making his trademark runs in behind. His ability to take on defenders and create chances will be important in unlocking Forest’s defense.
Attacking Midfield: Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of sensational. After his four-goal heroics against Brighton, Palmer is the name on everyone’s lips. As one of the most exciting young players in the league, Palmer has already established himself as a key player for Chelsea. His movement, technical ability, and intelligence in finding space between the lines have made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Forest will undoubtedly have a special game plan to try and contain Palmer, but given his current form, it will be a tall order. His rest in midweek ensures he will be fresh and ready to lead Chelsea’s attack once again on Sunday.
Left Wing: Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho’s resurgence at Chelsea has been one of the most talked-about stories this season. After a difficult spell at Manchester United, Sancho seems to have found a new lease of life under Maresca. His creativity and vision have been on display, with three assists in his last three matches. Sancho’s ability to link up with his teammates and create opportunities from the left wing has added another dimension to Chelsea’s attack. Against a well-organized Forest defense, Sancho’s dribbling and passing will be key to creating opportunities, and he will be looking to add to his assist tally on Sunday.
Striker: Nicolas Jackson
Nicolas Jackson has been in excellent form for Chelsea at the start of the 2024/25 season. With Christopher Nkunku also in fine form, there is healthy competition between the two for the striker position. Jackson’s relationship with Cole Palmer has been particularly impressive, with the two players showing a telepathic understanding on the pitch. Jackson’s movement, finishing, and work rate make him a constant threat, and he will be eager to add to his goal tally against Forest. Given the defensive organization of Forest, Jackson’s ability to find space and convert chances will be crucial.
Tactics and Key Considerations
Chelsea will likely dominate possession against Nottingham Forest, as has been the case in most of their matches this season. However, Forest’s defensive resilience means that Chelsea will need to be patient in their build-up play. The Blues must avoid becoming frustrated if they fail to score early and continue to probe for openings in Forest’s defense. The presence of creative players like Palmer, Fernandez, and Sancho means Chelsea have the tools to unlock even the most stubborn defenses, but they will need to be clinical in front of goal.
Defensively, Chelsea have shown vulnerability at times this season, particularly in transition. Forest will look to exploit this by playing on the counter-attack, and players like Brennan Johnson and Taiwo Awoniyi could cause problems with their pace and physicality. This means Chelsea’s midfielders, particularly Caicedo and Fernandez, will need to be disciplined and ensure they provide adequate cover for the defense.
In conclusion, Chelsea head into the match against Nottingham Forest full of confidence after a string of impressive performances. If they can maintain their current form, they should have enough quality to secure another victory and continue their climb up the Premier League table. However, they will need to be mindful of Forest’s defensive organization and counter-attacking threat, making it essential for Chelsea to be both patient in attack and vigilant in defense.
