After finally winning his first game as an interim manager at Chelsea, the pressure is off Frank Lampard and his Blues. But can they consolidate against a Nottingham Forest fighting for their lives?
There was plenty of relief last weekend after Frank Lampard and Chelsea ended a run of six matches without a win.
Lampard and the Blues proved everyone wrong with a comprehensive win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium.
But can the win at the Vitality become the tonic that will revitalise Lampard’s reign as interim manager at Stamford Bridge?
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20:47 - 12.05.2023
Ex-Chelsea boss wants to use Arteta's Arsenal as blueprint at Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel has used Arsenal's current set-up as a reference for what he wants his team to look like in future
The Blues are back in the Premier League where they host relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest, who are fighting for their lives as they look to remain in the Premier League.
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Chelsea vs Nottingham: Brief
You will agree with me that this is not the best time for teams to go head-to-head with those fighting relegation.
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Mikel Obi: Super Eagles legend set to play for Chelsea against Bayern Munich in legends game
Chelsea fans are set to see Mikel Obi at Stamford Bridge when they take on Bayern Munich in the Legends game.
For the avoidance of doubt, you can ask Roberto de Zerbi and his Brighton and Hove Albion what happened against Everton on Monday night.
Lampard and his Blue Army should beware of the potential their visitors, Nottingham Forest, have as a banana peel.
The Reds have scored in each of the last four matches in the Premier League, winning two of those games with an aggregate score of 7-4.
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Nigeria’s Taiwo Awoniyi was in fine form the last time as he netted a brace in a thrilling 4-3 win over Southampton to boost Forest’s chances of survival.
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23:43 - 08.05.2023
Nottingham star prays for Arsenal to lose title to Man City
Nottingham Forest ace hopes for an easy game against Arsenal, hopes they are out of the title race.
The warning signals are there for Lampard’s fragile Blues, with this game having the potential to produce fireworks at Stamford Bridge.
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So, with that said, who is in and who is out of this one?
Team news
Chelsea and Nottingham Forest will head into this game with a congregation of players out due to injuries and suspensions.
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23:56 - 05.05.2023
PREMIER LEAGUE Forget Mount and Rice, Arteta may already have Xhaka replacement
The midfielder has, however, struggled for game time since fully recovering from a groin injury.
The hosts will be without as many as seven players led by defenders Kalidou Koulibaly, Reece James, Marc Cucurella, and Ben Chilwell.
Attacking midfielder Mason Mount is also expected to miss the game due to a hip injury.
For Forest, a total of 10 players will miss the game at Stamford Bridge with Nigeria Super Eagles forward, Emmanuel Dennis notable among them.
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Probable XI:
H2H
In terms of their head-to-head, expectedly Chelsea are unbeaten against the Reds, with three wins in their previous four meetings and a draw.
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22:11 - 08.05.2023
Taiwo Awoniyi scores brace in a seven goal thriller as Nottingham Forest move out of relegation zone
Nottingham Forest secures an important victory against Southampton as they move out of the relegation zone.
Forest will be hoping to claim a first win over the Blues and there is no better time to aspire for that than now.
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Kick off time
This particular fixture is slated for 3 pm Nigerian time and you can follow Pulse Sports Nigeria for up-to-speed updates during and after the game.
Prediction
Chelsea 2-1 Nottingham Forest
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