Forest v Chelsea - Match Thread

Well…at least we are at home next! It was probably unrealistic to go into the Man U game with any sense of expectancy, but that’s football. It lures you back in! The absence of Henderson, Kouyate and MGW didn’t help, but we still created. Kind of.

Last Game Overview:

We were playing Man United away. A team that hasn’t lost at Old Trafford (in the league) since Brighton way back in August. They’ve beaten Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs there, only drawing with Newcastle. We should’ve done better with the first two goals, but could have conceded more.

I think the Blackburn game showed we are a very good Championship side, the Man United game that we are not confident enough to win away (yet).

The Good: Aurier and Yates stood out. We nearly had a goal.

The Bad: Losing Rashford for the first, Hennessey’s save. Not really creating a fat lot.

The Ugly: VAR…not the disallowed goal, but the Awoniyi pull back. Even the commentary team thought it was a foul..they then scored.

Special Mention: Keeping it at 3-0. We’re short in midfield defensively and we’re lacking creativity. Let’s hope Scarpa can inspire!

Overall Record:

Currently we stand at W26 D28 L40

Seven defeats in a row against Chelsea, five in the cup with the other two the last team we were in the Premier League. The last time we beat them at home was 26 years ago.

Injuries / Signings:

Kouyate, Lingard, Niakhate, MGW and Richards injured. We’re starting to look fairly lightweight in the middle again.

We need someone in at CB if Niakhate is going to be out for much longer. I think a German Division 3 player and Keane has been rumoured. I'm not sure either are the answer.

The same for Kouyate's place, as Managala looked excellent in a cameo role, but not so much the full 90 minutes. Doucoure, Koulibaly and Maia all linked.

Everyone I know doesn't rate Awoniyi, but he's always one stumble away from a goal. Brian Brobbery from Ajax has been linked. He looks Davis-esque and holds the ball up well.

I think Scarpa will be the answer, even if he is in the midfield three. All the Brazilian fans rave about him, he has a good assist / goal ratio and he seems like he is focussed on proving a point. Based on the injuries and performances we need him in the side asap.

Your Opposition Story:

Never been to Chelsea, but I always seem to meet their hardcore fans on holiday! I'll be watching this game in Koh Samui on Sunday night, so will try to keep my volume down in the pub.

Form:

We have 7 points from our last 5 games. 3 points for Chelsea. Their last win being 2-0 at home to Bournemouth. The last time they won (in the league) prior to that was the Villa away win on the 17th October.

8 points from 6 games for us at home. 7 points from 6 for them away.

Team:

Henderson
Aurier Worrall Boly Lodi
Mangala Freuler Yates
Johnson Awoniyi Scarpa

Prediction:

Based on their recent league form, we have a chance in this. Hopefully a game where we can keep it tight and nick a goal.

If Lingard doesn't recover then we need someone to fill the gap. I've a feeling Scarpa will be all over the news with his performances sooner or later. Let's hope he's registered and this is the game.

I also think Johnson needs dropping, but will have the crowd behind him at home.

1-0 to Forest.

COYRs!!!!!