Chelsea are back in action tomorrow when they travel to the Midlands to play against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
The Chelsea Chronicle has attempted a predicted line-up for Sunday, something which has been very difficult to get right during Graham Potter’s reign in charge so far at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues beat Bournemouth 2-0 earlier in the week to gain a much-needed three points. There’s big pressure from supporters to get another win during their travels on New Year’s Day, too.
Predicted Chelsea line-up against Nottingham Forest
In our view, there may be three changes to the starting line-up that faces Forest from the Bournemouth result.
With a double header against Manchester City on the horizon, it’s going to be interesting to see what Potter does with his selection.
There were some real positive signs this week, especially in the first-half, so we predict the same core to get another go at Forest.
GK and defence
We expect Kepa Arrizabalaga to continue in-between the sticks as Chelsea’s keeper. Potter has confirmed that Edouard Mendy is a doubt for the weekend, but regardless, it definitely looks like Kepa is in possession of the number one shirt.
The first change could come at right-back, with club captain Cesar Azpilicueta replacing injured teammate Reece James.
Also, there may be a second alteration in the backline at centre-back. Trevoh Chalobah steps into this predicted line-up for Thiago Silva, who is given a rest ahead of a Man City showdown.
That leaves Kalidou Koulibaly and Marc Cucurella as the two individuals to complete the new-look back four.
Midfield
Jorginho continues at the base of midfield in the deep-lying position. Meanwhile, Mason Mount starts again as the advanced midfielder with a licence to roam.
The third and final change could come in the centre of the park in Chelsea’s box-to-box midfield position.
26-year-old Denis Zakaria, who did play well against Bournemouth, could be dropped from the team given his lack of game time this season. There’s no doubt he’s in line for more minutes looking ahead, though.
£40million Blues star Mateo Kovacic, who’s now back and available after the World Cup, comes into the midfield.
Attack
Potter could stick with the front three again tomorrow as he tries to find some consistency in the Chelsea forward line.
Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic line up on the wings either side of Kai Havertz, who could get an extended opportunity to prove himself in the No.9 position.
Predicted line-up
KepaAzpilicueta Chalobah Koulibaly CucurellaKovacic Jorginho MountSterling Havertz Pulisic
IN: Cesar Azpilicueta, Trevoh Chalobah, Mateo KovacicOUT: Reece James, Thiago Silva Denis Zakaria
SOURCE: thechelseachronicle.com
