Chris Sutton has released his weekly pre-match predictions for Chelsea’s trip to Nottingham this weekend.
Chelsea’s Premier League match against Nottingham Forest is on Saturday evening at the City Ground.
The Blues have re-entered the race for European slots, rising to eighth in the league rankings, thanks largely to the team’s much improved home record. Mauricio Pochettino’s team has won the last four consecutive matches at Stamford Bridge.
So, can Chelsea improve their poor away record when they face Forest on Saturday? They haven’t won a Premier League away game since February 12 against Crystal Palace.
Chris Sutton predicts Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea.
The BBC pundit Chris Sutton has been previewing Forest’s impending league clash with Chelsea.
Chelsea will want to maintain their momentum after such a good finish to the season, while 17th-placed Forest are still hoping to secure their top-flight stay for another year.
Sutton’s prediction fails to separate the teams:
“By the time this game begins, Nottingham Forest will know how Luton and Burnley have performed. Sutton told BBC Sport that they might be either safe or under pressure.
“Chelsea have found some form, and Mauricio Pochettino is demonstrating why he was always a good fit for this team, as they have found greater consistency as the season has progressed.
“But Forest have some good players, and I can see them taking a point out of today, which could be enough to ensure they remain up.
“Sutton’s prediction: 1-1.”
It’s time for Nicolas Jackson’s retaliation.
Chelsea lost 1-0 at home to Forest in the reverse meeting in September, so Pochettino should instill in his players a desire to seek retribution.
Blues attacker Nicolas Jackson, 22, should be particularly eager to silence the home crowd in Nottingham.
Last September, The Athletic reported that Forest’s travelling fans mocked Jackson with the cry ‘what a waste of money’. This happened after he squandered a great late chance to equalize by firing a shot over the crossbar.
Fortunately, Jackson has only improved during his debut year as a Chelsea player, netting 16 goals in all competitions. This includes three goals in his last two league matches.
It would be fantastic to see Jackson produce a high-scoring performance on Saturday.
