, MATCH PREVIEW: Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest

MATCH PREVIEW: Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest travel to Premier League champions Chelsea tonight, in the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Nottingham Forest will be aiming to knock out Premier League opposition for the second consecutive round, after beating Newcastle United 3-2 after extra time at St James’ Park. Forest also overcame League one table toppers Shrewsbury Town in the first round, overcoming the Shrews by two goals to one.

Tonight’s game will be the first that Chelsea have played in this year’s Carabao cup, after receiving a buy to the third round due to them finishing in a European place last season.

FORM

Nottingham Forest come into tonight’s game, on the back of three defeats in their last four. On Saturday, Forest were defeated 2-1 by second place Wolverhampton Wanderers, representing their second consecutive home league defeat. They did, however, win their last league game away from home. An 86th minute Daryl Murphy goal meant Forest took all three points from Sunderland, by a goal to nil. They sit 10th in the table, a considerable improvement on last years 21st place finish.

Chelsea enter the game third in the Premier League table. They were held to a 0-0 draw on Sunday by London rivals Arsenal and are unbeaten in their last four league games. Their only defeat of the season came on the first day, falling to a shock 3-2 home defeat to Burnley.

TEAM NEWS

Nottingham Forest are without summer signing Liam Bridcutt as he is cup-tied. Bridcutt appeared in Leeds United’s first round 4-1 triumph over Port Vale. However, they could be boosted by the return of influential midfielder David Vaughan, who has missed the last five games in all competitions due to a groin strain. Eric Lichaj and Mustapha Carayol could return to the side.

Chelsea star Eden Hazard will start tonight’s match, in his bid to return to full match fitness following a broken ankle. Summer signing Danny Drinkwater will miss tonight’s game with a calf strain, he is yet to feature since his deadline day move from Leicester City. Manager Antonio Conte is expected to make changes, with Michy Batshuayi, Kenedy and Charly Musonda all pushing to start. (BBC SPORT)

HEAD TO HEAD

Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have faced each other 91 times. Chelsea have come out on top in 37 of those encounters, whilst Nottingham Forest have beaten the Blues 26 times. This is however, their first meeting in over ten years, given Forest’s 24-year absence from the Premier League. (11v11)

PREDICTION

Despite the likelihood of a barrage of Chelsea changes, I don’t envisage any possible cup upset down at Stamford Bridge tonight. They will have far too much for Nottingham Forest and with Eden Hazard set to start, it could turn out to be a long night for the traveling Forest fans.

CHELSEA 4-1 NOTTINGHAM FOREST
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