Chelsea vs. Nottingham Forest
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Kick off: 4PM
Chelsea begin their FA Cup campaign against Nottingham Forest looking to move a step closer to retaining the trophy that they lifted with victory over Manchester United in May.
Seven points from four games over the Christmas period with an injury list which got longer by the match was not the worst return for Chelsea, but it has left Maurizio Sarri with problems heading into the rest of January.
The Blues must find a way to cope with a fixture schedule which brings a double-header with Tottenham Hotspur in the EFL Cup semi-finals at the same time when they also have to contend with three important games in the Premier League.
Sarri’s side now only sit three points ahead of fifth-placed Arsenal after Wednesday’s goalless draw with Southampton, and more of his players are beginning to pick up minor muscle injuries after a busy schedule on both the domestic and European scene.
Chelsea have already played 31 competitive matches since Sarri’s arrival in July but even though the Italian has a large squad at his disposal, he has not taken the chance to rotate his players over Christmas.
There were signs against the Saints that some of the members of his squad are ready for a weekend off, but whether that materialises against a strong Forest side remains to be seen.
Alvaro Morata made his first start since December 13 in midweek, but the Spaniard continues to look short of confidence in the final third and Chelsea have a decision to make regarding his long-term future.
Cesc Fabregas has barely been used by Sarri all season, and an appearance against Forest on Saturday could mark the playmaker’s final appearance at Stamford Bridge ahead of a transfer away from the club.
Whoever is selected by Sarri will be given the responsibility of trying to end a run of 10 matches where Chelsea have failed to score more than two goals in a game in any competition.
Forest coach, Aitor Karanka however went into the game with Leeds earlier this week aware that a defeat may result in Forest terminating his contract, but the Spaniard has been given a reprieve due to his side’s dramatic triumph against the Championship leaders.
There is an argument that Karanka should not be under as much pressure as has been reported, but the 45-year-old has at least brought himself some time to prove that he remains the man to deliver promotion to the Premier League.
Just five points have been recorded from their last half-a-dozen outings at the second tier, although it is a period which has included games against the top two in the standings and fierce rivals Derby County.
The trip to England’s capital to play Chelsea will be regarded as an opportunity rather than a fixture where a result is required at all costs, and that may play into Karanka’s favour.
Chelsea possible XI: Caballero, Zappacosta, Christensen, Ampadu, Palmieri, Kovacic, Fabregas, Barkley, Loftus-Cheek, Morata, Hazard.
Nottingham Forest possible XI: Steele, Janko, Yacob, Fox, Robinson, Guedioura, Colback, Lolley, Osborn, Dias, Murphy.