Our reporters Adam Newson and Bobby Vincent pick their starting XIs for Chelsea’s game against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
Adam Newsom
Graham Potter didn’t try to downplay how hard it will be for Chelsea to beat Forest. He said, “They’ll be ready, and the mood will be hostile.” “This is their first year back in the Premier League in a very long time, and every game is important for them, especially when Chelsea comes to town. So they will be driven, have good skills, and fight for the points. So we must be prepared.”
Even though Manchester City is coming on Thursday, I think Potter will pick a team similar to the one that started and beat Bournemouth. Even though Edouard Mendy is back from injury, I think Kepa Arrizabalaga has earned his spot as Chelsea’s top goalkeeper for the next few months.
Cesar Azpilicueta seems like the most likely replacement for injured Reece James, even though the Spaniard isn’t as strong or dangerous in the final third. I would move Kalidou Koulibaly to the left and bring Trevoh Chalobah into the back line. Thiago Silva would be one of the players on the bench. Marc Cucurella should stay at left back.
Since Chelsea is likely to have the ball most of the time, I would play Jorginho as the No. 6 and keep Denis Zakaria and Mason Mount, who scored a great goal against Bournemouth. Raheem Sterling, Kai Havertz, and Christian Pulisic should all stay on the attack.
Adam’s starting eleven was Kepa, Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Koulibaly, Cucurella, Jorginho, Mount, Zakaria, Sterling, Havertz, Pulisic, and Cucurella.
Billy Vincent
On Tuesday, Chelsea played so well in the first half against Bournemouth. I’d like to see a similar performance against Forest. The 4-3-3 formation seemed to work really well, and it gave the attackers more freedom and made them look more like the players we all know they are.
In goal, it has to be Kepa Arrizabalaga. It’s interesting to look at the back four. Since Reece James is out for a while, Cesar Azpilicueta is Chelsea’s only real option at right back. Thiago Silva got hurt on Tuesday, so it makes sense to give him a break. Trevoh Chalobah could come back into the team, while Marc Cucurella stays at left back.
Three players in the middle of the field: Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic (who just got back from the World Cup), and Mason Mount. I’d like to see the same attack that worked so well against Bournemouth.
Bobby’s starting lineup was Kepa, Azpilicueta, Chalobah, Koulibaly, Cucurella, Jorginho, Kovacic, Mount, Sterling, Pulisic, and Havertz.