MX23RW : Monday, January 7 21:38:07

How Chelsea could line up against Nottingham Forest

Ahead of Saturday's FA Cup clash between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, Sports Mole looks at how Maurizio Sarri's side could line up at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea head into Saturday's FA Cup tie with Nottingham Forest having failed to score in their last two fixtures at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues remain in fourth place in the Premier League standings, but Maurizio Sarri's side failed to net against either Leicester City or Southampton.

Chelsea have now not scored more than two goals in a match since November 29, and it leaves Sarri having to consider his options during the January transfer window.

The head coach has a number of selection dilemmas ahead of this match, and here Sports Mole looks at how his team could line up against the Championship outfit.



CHEXI VS. NOT

Out: Olivier Giroud (ankle), Marco van Ginkel (knee)
Doubtful: Pedro (hamstring), Willian (knock), Callum Hudson-Odoi (hamstring), Mateo Kovacic (illness), Danny Drinkwater (unknown)

Chelsea will be without Olivier Giroud due to an ankle injury, so Alvaro Morata is expected to keep his place in the starting lineup.

Pedro and Willian may not be risked ahead of the EFL Cup semi-final with Tottenham Hotspur, so Eden Hazard should start with Callum Hudson-Odoi potentially an option during the second half.

Cesc Fabregas will start on what could be his final appearance for the Blues, while Mateo Kovacic could also feature if he has recovered from illness.

Sarri will likely change his entire back four with Davide Zappacosta, Andreas Christensen, Ethan Ampadu and Emerson Palmieri all in contention to feature in the first XI.

Willy Caballero should replace Kepa Arrizabalaga, with the Spaniard being preferred in the EFL Cup three days later.

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Who will win Saturday's FA Cup clash between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest?

Chelsea
Draw
Nottingham Forest
Chelsea
67.2%
Draw
6.9%
Nottingham Forest
25.9%
Maurizio Sarri on the touchline during the Premier League game between Chelsea and Crystal Palace on November 4, 2018
Read Next:
How Chelsea could line up against Southampton
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool21173149103954
2Manchester CityMan City21162356173950
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs21160546212548
4Chelsea21135338162244
5Arsenal21125446311541
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd21115543321138
7Leicester CityLeicester219482523231
8Watford218583031-129
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves218582325-229
10West Ham UnitedWest Ham218492932-328
11Everton217683131027
12Bournemouth2183103140-927
13Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton217592429-526
14Crystal Palace2164111926-722
15Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2146111529-1418
16Burnley2153132142-2118
17Cardiff CityCardiff2153131941-2218
18Southampton2137112138-1716
19Fulham2135131947-2814
20Huddersfield TownHuddersfield2124151337-2410

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