The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print
operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a
leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.
Chelsea's Raheem Sterling, centre, celebrates with teammate Chelsea's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after scoring his side's first goal during the Champions League Group E soccer match between Chelsea and Dinamo Zagreb at Stamford Bridge stadium In London, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Having played to a 1-1 draw at the City Ground earlier this year, both Chelsea and Nottingham Forest will be hungry to secure back-to-back triumphs in the Premier League on Saturday, May 13 at 5 pm EAT.
Frank Lampard ended his caretaker manager's nightmare run of six straight defeats with a 3-1 victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium last weekend. The win ensured Chelsea surpassed the 40-point mark, and will now look to avoid their first bottom-half finish in the Premier League since 1995-96.
Lampard and his men will be looking to end their six-game winless run at Stamford Bridge after picking up only 23 points from their 17 home games. Only five teams have picked up fewer points at home, and only Southampton have scored fewer goals.
Chelsea have a strong record against Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge, winning each of their last six home matches against the Tricky Trees. The Blues have scored at least two goals in each of those victories, and they will be confident of continuing that trend on Saturday.
Forest have been woeful on their travels this season, picking up just six points from their 17 away games. The Tricky Trees have won one, drawn three and lost 13 games away from home (joint-high). They have also scored the least away goals (8) and conceded the joint-most (41) in the league.
Their home has been their advantage this season. They have picked up 27 of their 33 points at home, which has helped them climb out of the relegation zone and up to 16th on the log. They are now three points above the drop zone with three games to go.
Steve Cooper's men have picked up just six points from their 17 away games. They have lost 13 of those games, scored only eight goals, and conceded 41. Their only away victory came at rock-bottom Southampton in January, and their three draws came against Brighton, Bournemouth, and Everton.
Forest have found the back of the net in nine of their last 11 games, including consolation goals in four of their last five away defeats. They have scored against Tottenham and Liverpool and will be confident of finding the net against Chelsea.
Both teams are dealing with injury problems.
Chelsea's defender Wesley Fofana is doubtful after picking up a hamstring injury against Bournemouth. Other sidelined players include Ben Chilwell, Mason Mount, Reece James, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and Armando Broja.
Mateo Kovacic could return to midfield while Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling, Hakim Ziyech, and Christian Pulisic will all be gunning to start on the wings.
For Nottingham Forest, defender Serge Aurier has fitness issues and Renan Lodi is also a doubt after picking up a knock. All other missing players include Emmanuel Dennis, Dean Henderson, Giulian Biancone, Chris Wood, Jonjo Shelvey, Scott McKenna, Neco Williams, Omar Richards and Jack Colback
The front three of Awoniyi, Gibbs-White and Brennan Johnson are expected to start.
Chelsea's possible starting XI:
Kepa; Azpilicueta, Silva, Chalobah, Badiashile, Enzo Fernandez, Kante, Kovacic; Sterling, Havertz, Madueke.
Nottingham Forest's possible starting XI:
Keylor Navas, Toffolo, Worrall, Niakhate, Felipe, Mangala, Freuler, Danilo, Awoniyi Gibbs-White, Johnson.
Chelsea Premier League form (Last six matches): DLLLLW
Nottingham Forest Premier League form (Last six matches): LLLWLW
Key pointers:
Nottingham Forest have picked up only six of their 33-point total on the road Chelsea has beat Nottingham Forest the last six times they have played each other at Stamford Bridge In each of these victories, there were at least two goals Forest have scored in their last 4 games out of 5 away from homeSTANDARD TIPSTAR PREDICTION: Chelsea 2-1 Nottingham Forest
While Chelsea still do not look convincing enough at the back, their 3-1 victory away against Bournemouth should inspire the squad to pick up important points against Forest. Though the away side could take advantage of the fact that Chelsea have struggled to score at home this season, their leaky backline could prove costly. Don't count out the possibility of Forest scoring a goal as they have in 9 of their last 11. Chelsea's attacking quality, however, should be enough to exploit Forest. We expect a HOME WIN in this one.
join