There’s mounting evidence that new manager Enzo Maresca is finding his feet at Chelsea, with his side securing a fifth successive win in all competitions against Genk in continental action on Thursday night (4-2). Maresca rotated his side’s entire starting XI from the win against Brighton on Saturday, not only highlighting the strength in depth of this Chelsea squad, but also meaning there shouldn’t be any European hangover here.
There’s mounting evidence that new manager Enzo Maresca is finding his feet at Chelsea, with his side securing a fifth successive win in all competitions against Genk in continental action on Thursday night (4-2). Maresca rotated his side’s entire starting XI from the win against Brighton on Saturday, not only highlighting the strength in depth of this Chelsea squad, but also meaning there shouldn’t be any European hangover here. Beyond their standout form, what’s impressing most about the Blues this season is their threat in front of goal. They’ve netted 4+ goals in three straight outings, while in the league, no side has scored more coming in the round (15). Next though, they face a resolute Nottingham Forest side who finished the last round with the joint second-best defensive record in the division (GA:5). While Forest have been strong at the back of late, manager Nuno Espírito Santo would have hoped for more positive results to show for it with his side having won only one of their past five matches (D2, L2). That was in arguably their toughest assignment of the run, securing a 1-0 win away at Liverpool which should boost confidence heading to Stamford Bridge, especially as they also won here by that exact same scoreline last season. The visitors could make a bit of club history if they could repeat that feat, as not since way back in 1908 have they won successive matches at Stamford Bridge. Now seems as good a time as any for them to achieve that target, with Forest actually unbeaten in their previous five Premier League trips (W4, D1) - last managing six in succession in the top-flight in May 1995. Players to watch: Since the start of the 2023/24 season, Cole Palmer - scorer of four goals before half-time against Brighton last week - has been directly involved in more goals than any other player (43 - G28, A15). Former Chelsea man Callum Hudson-Odoi got the winning goal in that huge scalp of Liverpool last month, and netted against his former employers in the defeat to the Blues back in May (3-2). Hot streak: Forest have lost their last four Premier League trips to London, conceding 3+ goals in each visit. Written by 90 Live
