Chelsea Seeks Fourth Consecutive Home Win Against Nottingham Forest

Chelsea is set to host Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Sunday, aiming for their fourth consecutive home win across all competitions. The match, scheduled for a 2 pm kickoff, comes just 64 hours after Chelsea’s recent Conference League victory over Gent.

Club historian Rick Glanvill and statistician Paul Dutton have provided insights into the upcoming fixture, emphasizing the busy schedule Chelsea faces in the final months of 2024. The Blues have historically performed well after European midweek fixtures, having won seven out of their previous nine top-flight matches following such games.

In contrast, Nottingham Forest had a free week to recuperate after their home defeat to Fulham, marking their first league match of the season where they failed to score first. Despite this setback, they have shown strength on the road, securing three points at Anfield earlier in the season and maintaining a defensive record that ranks them joint second-best in the top flight.

Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side presents a challenge, yet Chelsea enters the weekend with momentum, boasting nine wins from their last eleven Premier League games since May and having scored the most goals in that span. A victory over Forest would ensure Chelsea remains in the top four during the international break.

Under the guidance of coach Enzo Maresca, Chelsea has enjoyed a strong start to the season with four wins from their past five league games. The team’s success has been marked by standout performances, notably from Cole Palmer, who scored four goals in a single match against Brighton.

Palmer’s performances have drawn comparisons with Chelsea legends such as Frank Lampard and Jimmy Greaves, as he has achieved significant goal contributions this season. Palmer has become a pivotal player under Maresca, contributing both goals and assists regularly.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest, under Santo’s leadership, has relied on a sturdy defense, conceding just five goals while scoring six themselves in the league. Despite their recent defeat to Fulham, they remain in the top half of the table, credited for a surprisingly robust start to the season.

The previous season’s meeting between the two teams at Stamford Bridge ended in disappointment for Chelsea, with a loss following Anthony Elanga‘s goal disheartening the home side, despite having ample possession and numerous attempts on goal.

Chelsea aims to rectify past shortcomings and capitalize on their current form to overcome Nottingham Forest in what promises to be a compelling match. The game will not be broadcast live in the UK, but fans can follow the action through BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra and various online platforms for highlights and updates.