Chelsea look to extend their winning run against resilient Forest

By Matt Smith

Enzo Maresca has somewhat transformed this Chelsea team so far and helped them become an attacking force in the Premier League. The Blues are currently averaging 2.5 goals per game, more than any other side in the division. 

Chelsea find themselves sitting in fourth place in the table, just two points off Liverpool in first. Maresca’s men are unbeaten in their last five fixtures after losing on the opening day to Manchester City.

Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer’s productivity in the final third has been a key factor in their early success this campaign. The Chelsea duo have provided a combined 17 goals and assists between them, with Maresca’s possession-based style helping them create plenty of opportunities. 

The improved form of Moises Caicedo, who initially struggled to adapt at Stamford Bridge when signing from Brighton, has helped from a defensive and ball progression perspective. Winning 7.7 duels per 90 minutes and keeping them ticking over in the middle of the park, the Ecuadorian international has been a revelation under Maresca.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have also enjoyed a strong start to the campaign after battling near the bottom of the Premier League table last season. Forest currently sit in tenth position and have only lost once so far this term.

Conceding just 0.8 goals per game, with only Liverpool managing less, Forest have become a defensive force and have made themselves incredibly difficult to beat. The defensive partnership of Murillo and Nikola Milenković has been one the best in the division, making 10 clearances per 90 between them.

Only Manchester City and Liverpool have conceded fewer expected goals in the league this season. Although Nuno will be hoping to see more from his team in an attacking sense, Forest have shown vast improvement defensively and are setting up to sit deep and hit teams in transition.  

(Cover image from IMAGO)

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