Chelsea will aim to close the gap to the top of the Premier League table this weekend when they face Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are on a fantastic run and things are coming together quicker than even Enzo Maresca would have hoped, but Forest have proved a tough nut to crack at points so far this campaign.
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Chelsea Recent Form
Chelsea's recent form has been outstanding as they have won five games in a row across all competitions and are actually unbeaten since the opening day of the season against Man City.
In their run they have beat Bournemouth, West Ham in Brighton in the Premier League, Barrow in the League Cup and Gent in the Europa Conference.
In their last five games, they have scored 17 goals.
Chelsea Injury News
Maresca made 11 changes to his lineup for the Gent game and we'll probably see the same again here, with the favoured Premier League personnel being brought back.
The only injury concerns at the moment surround Reece James, who has suffered setback in his return from a thigh injury, and Omari Kellyman.
Last Chelsea Lineup
Here's how Chelsea lined up against Gent.
(4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Disasi, Adarabioyo, Badiashile, Veiga; Casadei, Dewsbury-Hall; Neto, Felix, Mudryk; Nkunku
Nottingham Forest Recent Form
Nottingham Forest have made a solid start to the season and are currently 10th in the Premier League, comfortably clear of the dropzone for the moment.
They actually went five games unbeaten at the start of the season, beating Liverpool and Southampton and drawing with Bournemouth, Wolves and Brighton.
On Matchday Six, they suffered their first defeat at home to Fulham.
Nottingham Forest Injury News
Last Nottingham Forest Lineup
Here's how Forest lined up against Fulham.
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest - who is the referee and VAR?
Referee: Chris Kavanagh
Assistants: Lee Betts, James Mainwaring
Fourth official: Tony Harrington
VAR: Jarred Gillett
Assistant VAR: Wade Smith
Chelsea - Player To Watch
Cole Palmer isn't even included in the Europa Conference squad so he was given a midweek off following his stupendous performance against Brighton in which he scored four goals in the first half.
He has 10 goal contributions in six games this season.
Nottingham Forest - Player To Watch
Chris Wood has scored three Premier League goals this season and none of his team-mates have scored more than one. It'll be tough for him up top, but he has the physicality to hurt this Chelsea defence.
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest - Prediction
It will be interesting to see how Forest react to their first league loss of the season, but they face a tough task here against a free-scoring Chelsea side, with Palmer in particular a menace in the final third. There should be goals in this one!
Scoreline prediction - Chelsea 3-1 Nottingham Forest
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest - Betting Tips
Chelsea to Win and Over 2.5 Goals Scored
- In Chelsea's last five games, 17 goals have been scored
- Both teams have scored in three of Forest's last five games
- Chelsea have scored in five and conceded in four of their last six home games, while Forest have scored in five and conceded in four of their last six away games.
Cole Palmer to Score First
- Cole Palmer scored four goals in the first half in his last match against Brighton
