Chelsea could only salvage a draw against Brighton during the midweek fixture and next up they take on Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.
The Blues manager will be itching to get things back on track in order to make a statement of intent but he will surely have to rest some of his key players in order to avoid the risk of injuring them.
This means that if Forest can take the game to Chelsea then they have the opportunity to perform a smash and grab on Sunday.
Nottingham Forest are yet to win against Chelsea in an FA Cup tie and if Lampard’s men are a bit cautious then it shouldn’t be a problem for them to overcome the Reds.
Chelsea team news vs Forest:
The Blues are expected to give Antonio Rudiger some rest since the defender has just returned back from injury.
The manager would have also loved to rest Kurt Zouma but Tomori is still recovering from his illness meaning Zouma might once again have to play the full 90 minutes alongside Christensen.
Azpilicueta scored the only goal of the game for Chelsea against Brighton but the full-back should make way for Emerson.
Youngster Billy Gilmour is also expected to get a starting role in central midfield as Jorginho is rested for this FA Cup fixture.
Kante and Mount featured in midfield vs Brighton but the pair should make way for Mateo Kovacic and Ross Barkley on Sunday.
Callum Hudson-Odoi has seen some game time during the past couple of weeks but most of them have come off the bench in the Premier League.
But now with the likes of Pulisic and Willian needing some rest, Hudson-Odoi should get a starting berth on the left flank.
Pedro has fallen down the pecking order under new boss Frank Lampard but the Spaniard is expected to start on the wings.
There have been numerous rumours which indicate that Michy Batshuayi could be on his way out of Chelsea this month. But we still feel the manager would want to use him upfront in order to rest Tammy Abraham.
Chelsea’s predicted XI vs Forest:
Starting XI:Â Kepa Arrizabalaga; Zouma, Christensen, Emerson, Lamptey; Kovacic, Barkley, Gilmour; Hudson-Odoi, Batshuayi, Pedro.
