Chelsea’s challenging season and dwindling hopes for European qualification in the league face a vibrant and motivated Nottingham Forest team as they visit Stamford Bridge early Monday morning.
On May Day in the UK, the match will kick off at 10 AM ET, and Blues supporters are hoping this fixture serves as a much-needed spark for their squad.
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Following the dismissal of manager Liam Rosenior, interim coach Calum McFarlane managed a promising 1-0 victory over Leeds United in the FA Cup semifinal, securing a spot in the FA Cup Final against Manchester City later this month. However, McFarlane now faces the daunting challenge of reversing a five-match losing streak in the Premier League, which has pushed Chelsea down to ninth place with 48 points, trailing the sixth spot by four points and only three points ahead of 13th.
WATCH — Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest is riding high after a 1-0 win in the first leg of their Europa League semifinal against Aston Villa. However, they must maintain focus on their Premier League campaign, sitting just three points above the relegation zone with four matches remaining. A loss could shift the dynamic, allowing teams like Spurs and West Ham to threaten their safety.
For live updates and highlights from Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest, stay tuned to PST’s live blog coverage below.
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How to watch Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest live: stream link and start time
Kickoff time: 10 AM ET Monday
Venue: Stamford Bridge — West London
TV Channel: USA
Streaming: Watch on USA
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest score: 0-2
Awoniyi 2’, Igor Jesus 15’
Penalty awarded to Chelsea, but Palmer’s shot is saved
A corner finds its way to the back post, resulting in a clash between Zach Abbott and Jesse Derry. Chelsea’s player manages to get a touch first, resulting in Abbott fouling him, both going down due to head injuries. A penalty is awarded but Abbott must leave for a concussion substitute, with Neco Williams coming on. After a considerable stoppage for Derry’s treatment, Liam Delap enters. After a lengthy delay, Cole Palmer steps up to take the penalty, but his soft attempt is easily saved by Matz Sels. Chelsea’s wait for a Premier League goal extends toward nine hours.
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Malo Gusto fouls Awoniyi, leading to a penalty for Forest, which Igor Jesus converts!
Forest now leads 2-0! It was a clear pulling foul by Malo Gusto on Awoniyi.
Awoniyi opens the scoring for Forest!
A fantastic start for Forest as Awoniyi finds the net with a header.
Chelsea lineup
Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Derry; Joao Pedro
Nottingham Forest lineup
Sels; Abbott, Cunha, Morato, Netz; McAteer, Dominguez, Yates, Bakwa; Igor Jesus, Awoniyi
Chelsea team news and focus
OUT: Estevao (thigh), Jamie Gittens (thigh), Filip Jorgensen (groin), Levi Colwill (torn ACL – MORE), Mykhailo Mudryk (suspension) | QUESTIONABLE: Reece James (thigh)
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Nottingham Forest team news and focus
OUT: Callum Hudson-Odoi (thigh), Willy Boly (knee), Nicola Savona (knee), John Victor (knee) | QUESTIONABLE: Murillo (thigh), Jair Cunha (ankle), Ibrahim Sangare (knock), Dan Ndoye (unspecified)
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest prediction
Chelsea is in better health and has had more rest, although not much separates the teams. An unusual kickoff time can lead to unexpected performances, potentially making this contest more open than either manager desires. Chelsea 3-2 Nottingham Forest.