The predicted Chelsea line-up for this afternoon’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge with interim head coach Calum McFarlane facing a few dilemmas
Chelsea have not won a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge since January 31. To put that into a bit more perspective: the 3-2 victory against West Ham United at the end of January was Liam Rosenior’s seventh match in charge of the Blues.
Rosenior went on to manage 23 matches before his tenure was brutally cut short last month. Since Chelsea’s last Premier League victory at their home, the Blues have failed to secure top-flight wins against Leeds United, Burnley, Newcastle United, Manchester City and Manchester United in west London.
Something needs to change – and fast – with two of Chelsea’s remaining four league matches coming at Stamford Bridge. Calum McFarlane needs to somehow transform his side’s home form and that starts this afternoon, with Nottingham Forest the visitors to SW6.
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What side will McFarlane pick to try and win Chelsea’s first league game – home or away – in two months? Bobby Vincent predicts below.
Robert Sanchez
It was an outstanding performance from Sanchez at Wembley Stadium eight days ago. The Spaniard looked back to his best after a difficult few weeks.
Malo Gusto
It’s great to see Reece James back in full training after recovering from a hamstring injury. The Chelsea captain, though, is likely to be eased back into action, meaning Gusto could continue on the right-hand side of defence.
Trevoh Chalobah
McFarlane used Chalobah on the right-hand side of a back two last weekend and could continue with the Cobham graduate this afternoon. Wesley Fofana was not used in the win over Leeds United at Wembley and could keep his place on the substitutes’ bench.
Jorrel Hato
The Dutchman was unfortunate not to start in Chelsea’s last game, with McFarlane opting with the more physical Tosin Adarabioyo to deal with the threat of Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Hato, however, could return to the side today. Levi Colwill could return to the squad after a nine-month layoff but there is no chance he starts this afternoon.
Marc Cucurella
The Spain international hasn’t looked his best recently but last weekend there were signs of improvement. Cucurella seems a shoo-in to start at left-back this afternoon.
Romeo Lavia
Lavia has found it difficult these past few weeks but – like Cucurella – improved at Wembley. Andrey Santos may be in with a shout but McFarlane might go with the Belgian against a strong Forest midfield.
Moises Caicedo
Caicedo was brilliant against Leeds and will be hoping to show a similar level on Monday afternoon. The Ecuadorian was spraying long passes often at Wembley, so it will be interesting to see if that was a one-off or it’s something McFarlane believes Chelsea can use to their advantage.
Cole Palmer
Palmer was only fit enough for the bench at Wembley but could return to the right-hand side. The 23-year-old needs to up his game as he prepares for this summer’s World Cup with England.
Enzo Fernandez
It was some performance from Fernandez last weekend. It was a reminder of how important the Argentine is to this Chelsea side. Overall, he’s been tremendous this season for the Blues and he will be desperate to finish the campaign off in a similar vein.
Pedro Neto
Neto was one of Chelsea’s most dangerous attackers last weekend – of course, providing the assist for Fernandez’s header. The Portugal international could be shifted out to the left wing in place of Alejandro Garnacho.
Joao Pedro
It was so good to see Joao Pedro return at Wembley. The Brazilian’s all-round performance on said afternoon was exceptional. He is looking for his 20th goal of his debut season at Stamford Bridge.
Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Hato, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Joao Pedro
