Nottingham Forest 1-1 Chelsea LIVE! Premier League result, match stream and latest updates today

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea LIVE!

Chelsea have been left to rue another difficult away day after being held to a dispiriting draw by struggling Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. Graham Potter’s side had looked likely to pick up where they left off in the Premier League at the start of 2023 after Raheem Sterling’s early goal from close range that came after Willy Boly had somehow managed to turn Christian Pulisic’s left-wing centre onto his own crossbar.

However, the Blues were often overrun after the interval and former Tottenham full-back Serge Aurier sealed the point that Forest’s improved second-half efforts fully merited after maintaining his composure to lash in from a corner scramble at the front post. Such a result leaves Forest still in the bottom three but now 18th and level on points with West Ham, who are outside the drop zone on goal difference only.

Meanwhile, Chelsea stay below west London rivals Fulham in eighth and are seven points adrift of the top four ahead of a league and FA Cup double-header against Manchester City. Follow Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea reaction live below, featuring expert analysis from Nizaar Kinsella in the East Midlands.

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea updates

• FT: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Chelsea

• Forest investigating alleged homophobic chants

• GOAL! Aurier fires in deserved second-half equaliser

• GOAL! Sterling turns home rebound from close range

Nottingham Forest FC 1 - 1 Chelsea FC

Potter quiet on Badiashile deal

20:22 , George Flood

Graham Potter is also staying tight-lipped on Chelsea’s impending £33m signing of Monaco defender Benoit Badiashile.

"Until someone has told me they have been signed it would be unfair of me to comment,” he said. “I've been focussed on the team today."

Graham Potter on Chelsea’s top-four chances

19:55 , George Flood

"For us it's about the next game and trying to improve, we have a long way to go so it would be a mistake to think about what could happen in five months' time," he told Sky Sports.

"We need to be more consistent. It would help to get players back, the key ones and then you can build consistency in key places."

Cesar Azpilicueta speaking to Sky Sports

19:54 , George Flood

"Every point matters and today we lost two points," said the Chelsea captain.

"Since the beginning of the season we have lost too many points and we are really far from where we want to be. This is the reality when you see the table.

"We need to have a very good second half of the season if we want to play in the Champions League next season.

"We know it is not the most pleasant time but we need everyone to stick together and work hard to improve.”

Forest investigating reports of alleged homophobic chanting

19:15 , George Flood

Nottingham Forest are investigating after reports of alleged homophobic chanting from some home fans emerged during Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Chelsea.

Serge Aurier’s goal claimed a deserved comeback point for Steve Cooper’s struggling side at the City Ground in the second top-flight contest of 2023, cancelling out a first-half effort from Raheem Sterling.

However, the result and a spirited display from battling Forest after the interval was overshadowed by suggestions of alleged homophobic chanting from certain sections of the capacity home crowd.

Forest were quick to acknowledge those reports after the final whistle, insisting they have zero tolerance for discriminatory or offensive behaviour and pledging a full, swift investigation.

In a statement released on social media shortly after full-time, Forest said: “The Club are aware of reports concerning chants aimed at Chelsea supporters from a minority of fans this evening and do not condone any type of discriminatory or offensive behaviour.

“The matter will be fully investigated.”

Read the full article here

Nizaar Kinsella at the City Ground

18:37 , George Flood

Chelsea have not won away from home since mid-October.

They ended a run of three away defeats in a row but a point here isn’t good enough for what Chelsea want to achieve.

A double-header versus Manchester City is next.

Full-time

18:24 , George Flood

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Chelsea

18:23 , George Flood

93 mins: Good defending from Forest goalscorer Aurier to see off Ziyech’s delivery into the box.

That should be that...

18:22 , George Flood

92 mins: Chelsea are searching desperately for a last-gasp opening here, getting a free-kick wide on the right after Lodi wipes out Ziyech.

A stupid challenge and a deserved booking.

18:19 , George Flood

89 mins: Chelsea’s frustration shows as Gallagher loses out in a battle with Surridge and kicks out at the Forest substitute.

Yellow card.

Three minutes of added time signalled.

18:17 , George Flood

87 mins: Forest on the break again with the clock winding down, but their latest attack is stopped in its tracks by Cucurella.

Ziyech has been Chelsea’s best threat since coming on. Gallagher gives away a free-kick to halt Chelsea’s late foray forward.

Another Cooper sub sees the impressive Awoniyi replaced by Neco Williams.

18:15 , George Flood

85 mins: Yates shrugs off a knock in midfield as the feisty nature of this gripping contest continues.

Potter sends on young midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka in place of Pulisic for the final five minutes plus stoppage time.

18:13 , George Flood

83 mins: The changes have definitely made an impact for Chelsea.

Ziyech slips in Azpilicueta, whose cross from the byline is crucially seen away by Boly.

18:11 , George Flood

82 mins: Another change from Forest now.

Sam Surridge replaces Brennan Johnson.

18:10 , George Flood

81 mins: What a ball from Ziyech!

The Chelsea substitute cuts back and delivers a peach of a deep cross from the right flank.

Aubameyang and Pulisic are both lurking at the back post, with Aurier doing just enough to put off the former as he tries to make contact with a header.

Huge chance missed.

18:08 , George Flood

79 mins: Kovacic is trying to drive Chelsea forward, but he’s halted by a super tackle on the edge of that Forest box.

Johnson back doing his defensive work there. He’s been excellent today.

18:06 , George Flood

75 mins: Potter’s changes are starting to pay off as Chelsea get back possession and start rebuilding confidence and taking the sting out of the Forest comeback with their passing.

However, they really need to avoid trying to play out from the back as Forest press like their lives depend on it up top.

Steve Cooper’s first change of the evening sees Jack Colback replace Orel Mangala.

18:04 , George Flood

73 mins: Route one from Forest with Koulibaly - who has been poor today - put under huge pressure once again by the dangerous Awoniyi, who runs out of road as Kepa comes out to claim bravely.

Just over 15 minutes left at the City Ground and this game is wonderfully poised, with the hosts still looking most likely to grab a late winner despite Potter’s triple sub.

Nizaar Kinsella at the City Ground

18:03 , George Flood

Chelsea are going for it after a really bad spell in the match which saw Serge Aurier equalise.

They’ve switched to a 4-2-3-1, putting Aubameyang up front and Havertz in a no10 role.

Gallagher coming on for Jorginho, who was poor, and Sterling off for Ziyech.

18:02 , George Flood

18:01 , George Flood

70 mins: With 20 minutes to go, Potter makes a decisive triple change.

Jorginho, Sterling and Mount make way for Gallagher, Ziyech and Aubameyang.

Yates with a crucial miscue in the middle after being teed up Lodi.

17:58 , George Flood

67 mins: Forest look far more likely to grab the winning goal as things stand.

Chelsea look so nervous and brittle as they continue to soak up significant pressure.

I think Gallagher and Ziyech are both going to be introduced by Potter shortly.

Watch: Aurier nets deserved Forest equaliser

17:57 , George Flood

17:56 , George Flood

65 mins: Superb noise inside the City Ground as these home fans sense a famous comeback win.

Chelsea need to dig deep here and find some resolve.

Conor Gallagher and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang are warming up down the touchline.

GOAL! Nottingham Forest 1-1 Chelsea | Serge Aurier 62'

17:51 , George Flood

62 mins: The equaliser that Forest have fully deserved on the balance of this second half.

They earn a corner after Azpilicueta blocks Johnson’s strike, with the most untidy scramble taking place after a clearance high into the air at the front post before Aurier keeps cool to take a great touch before firing home on the volley.

Crucial play from Boly to keep it alive. GAME ON! A huge test of character ahead for Chelsea now.

17:50 , George Flood

61 mins: Zakaria is the man to be replaced by Kovacic as Potter aims to regain a foothold in the midfield battle with under 30 minutes to go.

17:49 , George Flood

60 mins: Chelsea need to claim back some semblance of control here.

They are being overrun now and a midfield change is looming, with Mateo Kovacic preparing to enter the fray.

Will it be Jorginho or Zakaria to make way?

Nizaar Kinsella at the City Ground

17:46 , George Flood

Chelsea are starting to let Nottingham Forest creep back into this match. They have been sloppy in possession in the second half, allowing turnovers in dangerous areas.

Morgan Gibbs-White is starting to pull the strings.

17:46 , George Flood

55 mins: The Forest attacks are coming in waves now - Chelsea haven’t started this second half at all well.

Mount makes a crucial block inside the box before ex-Tottenham full-back Aurier volleys wide at the back post.

The home fans are in superb voice as their side push hard for that elusive equaliser.

Potter needs his team to wake up... and fast.

17:44 , George Flood

54 mins: Agonising for Forest as Gibbs-White’s fantastic effort from the edge of the box smashes against the underside of the crossbar and bounces down well ahead of the line.

Wonderful football from the hosts, with Johnson involved again and Yates providing the squared lay-off.

Chelsea are living very dangerously indeed just at the moment.

17:42 , George Flood

52 mins: So much energy again in this second half, fuelled by those passionate home fans.

The pitchside mics pick up the screams of Lodi, who was a bit dramatic after barely being caught by Azpilicueta.

But it’s a foul and a yellow card for the Chelsea skipper.

17:39 , George Flood

49 mins: Chelsea need to watch themselves here as Aurier does well initially and Gibbs-White then releases the searing pace of Johnson, who is closed down by Silva before stinging the palms of Kepa.

The rebound is slammed into the stands.

Forest are looking very dangerous at the start of this second half.

17:38 , George Flood

48 mins: Cooper is outraged after the referee blows for a Chelsea free-kick, but Aurier clearly fouled Pulisic there.

Forest head clear comfortably and here comes another speedy break...

17:36 , George Flood

47 mins: Forest start the second half on the front foot with their best passing move of the game, involving the likes of Yates and midfield colleague Freuler.

The ball finds its way through to Awoniyi, whose low drive is held easily by Kepa.

Lodi was arriving outside there and was probably better placed to shoot.

Second half

17:34 , George Flood

Back underway at the City Ground!

This game feels like it is poised for a fascinating second half.

Can Chelsea add to their lead, or is a Forest comeback in the offing?

This won’t be dull...

Nizaar Kinsella at the City Ground

17:33 , George Flood

Denis Zakaria is watching Chelsea go for Argentina duo Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister but he can't really have done much more to show his worth than his recent displays in the blue shirt.

17:32 , George Flood

Plenty of praise across social media at half-time again for Denis Zakaria.

Chelsea fans really like what they have seen from the Swiss midfielder, who has waited so long for his chance after that deadline-day summer loan move from Juventus.

He’s physical, combative and looks an asset in both attack and defence, not afraid to back down in the face of a battle.

A reminder that tonight is just his second Premier League start...

Nizaar Kinsella at the City Ground

17:23 , George Flood

Raheem Sterling’s finish proved the difference in that first half.

Chelsea had a few chances to extend the lead and gave only one good opportunity away. Decent half but improvements to be made.

Half-time

17:18 , George Flood

Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea

17:17 , George Flood

45 mins: Chelsea almost get themselves into bother trying to play out from the back as Forest press high before the interval, with Silva eventually hoofing clear.

Just the one minute of added time signalled at the end of a very watchable first half in the East Midlands.

17:16 , George Flood

43 mins: Chelsea spring a free man from Mount’s lofted free-kick into the Forest box but Havertz can’t get an effort away.

Yates doesn’t clear his lines and Koulibaly’s lay-off is driven harmlessly straight at Henderson by a disappointed Pulisic.

17:14 , George Flood

42 mins: Yates is certainly ruffling a few feathers with a consistently physical approach in midfield.

He’s draped all over Zakaria, who reacts badly after being hauled to the deck.

The two midfielders briefly go forehead to forehead before tensions cool and Yates picks up the first yellow card of the evening.

17:12 , George Flood

40 mins: Chelsea are hoping to double their lead before the break as Azpilicueta’s hopeful low drive is deflected behind by Renan Lodi.

Former Pride Park loanee Mount is then serenaded by cries of ‘Derby reject’ from the home faithful as he goes to take the resulting corner, which is easily cleared.

17:11 , George Flood

37 mins: Whether they are correct or not, Forest’s players and crowd are being fuelled by a sense of injustice at the moment, which is adding such additional buzz and energy to what has been a feisty first half so far.

Cooper’s side again win it back in midfield and drive forward quickly, only for Gibbs-White to be stopped in his tracks by a fantastically-timed challenge from the evergreen Silva.

Superb defending from the Brazilian veteran.

Nizaar Kinsella at the City Ground

17:09 , George Flood

Interesting to see just how wide Christian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling are playing here.

They’re trying to drag Nottingham Forest’s full-backs out so midfield runners Mason Mount and Denis Zakaria can arrive in the gaps.

17:09 , George Flood

34 mins: Replays show there was actually no contact at all from a sliding Mount on Johnson - a good decision by the referee and his assistant nearby.

However, that’s not so good as Koulibaly falls under the challenge of Freuler and a Chelsea free-kick is awarded.

Forest’s players and fans are furious with the officials with their side still trailing with just over 10 minutes until half-time.

17:06 , George Flood

32 mins: The pace and determination of Wales star Brennan Johnson is a real nuisance to Chelsea and Mount has just chopped him down right by the Forest fans, who are apoplectic once more with no free-kick given.

“You’re not fit to referee” is their latest chant aimed at Peter Bankes.

Nizaar Kinsella at the City Ground

17:04 , George Flood

Chelsea are going to be defined by their ability to resist these Nottingham Forest counter-attacks.

It's not the quickest backline but they've handled it okay thus far.

17:03 , George Flood

30 mins: The Forest fans are furious as the referee blows up with Johnson all over the back of Silva, trying to reignite that threat on the counter.

Pulisic and Mount had been unable to maintain possession at the other end, leading to a lofted ball forwards from Worrall.

Cries of “you don’t know what you’re doing” greet another contentious decision from Peter Bankes.

17:00 , George Flood

27 mins: More hustle and bustle from Forest now, with Boly putting Sterling in trouble near his own box, with the Chelsea goalscorer then clumsily bringing down Gibbs-White.

The hosts have a free-kick in a great position but a poor delivery from Gibbs-White is headed away by Cucurella and referee Bankes blows his whistle.

16:58 , George Flood

New Chelsea signing David Datro Fofana is watching his new side at the City Ground this evening...

Nizaar Kinsella at the City Ground

16:57 , George Flood

Raheem Sterling went into the international break in poor form but after a bright performance against Bournemouth has a goal here.

He is showing great resilience considering he also faced a burglary at his house during the World Cup.

16:56 , George Flood

22 mins: More pressure building from Chelsea as a deep corner swung in towards Koulibaly heads out of play for an attacking throw-in on the near side.

Forest stand firm but they are struggling to clear their lines.

They threatened a lot on the counter before that goal, but the gameplan rather seems to have gone out of the window just now.

Watch: Sterling fires Chelsea into early lead

16:54 , George Flood

16:54 , George Flood

19 mins: Not too much of a response to that setback from Forest just yet, with Chelsea quickly back in control.

Yates steams into Pulisic, who will have to shake off a knock.

GOAL! Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea | Raheem Sterling 16'

16:48 , George Flood

16 mins: Chelsea break the deadlock!

It’s a bizarre goal as Pulisic’s cross from the left beyond Worrall is inadvertently deflected onto his own crossbar by Boly, with Sterling then on hand to lash home the rebound from close range ahead of Yates.

A bit of a freak one - but they all count! Credit to Havertz for causing Boly plenty of trouble in the middle.

16:47 , George Flood

14 mins: End-to-end stuff just at the moment as we approach the 15-minute mark.

Johnson and Awoniyi are causing Chelsea all sorts of problems on the break, with Koulibaly diving in on the latter for the second time already.

A super block from Azpilicueta denies Gibbs-White.

16:46 , George Flood

12 mins: The pattern for this game has already been set as Chelsea dominate the ball but Forest are chomping at the bit to break with pace when they win it back.

Koulibaly was very lucky to avoid an early yellow card for poleaxing Awoniyi a few moments ago.

Forest’s latest counter is halted after Yates leaves it just too long to try and pick out Johnson.

16:43 , George Flood

10 mins: After Havertz is thwarted at one end, Forest break with pace and menace for the first time in the game.

Kepa is then forced into the first save of the day as he denies the speedy Johnson, who got beyond Cucurella and Silva after a lofted ball through from a deeper Gibbs-White.

A reprieve for Chelsea.

16:42 , George Flood

9 mins: Despite Chelsea’s pretty football, it is when they have gone direct into the box that they are having their greatest joy so far as Havertz is just outmuscled.

Koulibaly and Thiago Silva are both looking for those raking passes forward.

16:39 , George Flood

6 mins: Not too much early action to report from an atmospheric City Ground, where Chelsea are back monopolising possession but struggling to find a clear opening.

After an incisive move involving Mount, a retreating false nine Havertz and Sterling, the latter has lots of space out wide to drill in a dangerous low cross.

Mount’s subsequent first-time shot is blocked well high into the air by Forest captain Joe Worrall and Henderson gratefully gathers.

16:36 , George Flood

4 mins: To-and-fro as both sides look to build early momentum, Gibbs-White driving at the heart of that Chelsea defence but failing to lay on the right pass for Brennan Johnson.

16:34 , George Flood

2 mins: Forest fans still roaring their team on as Chelsea dominate the ball early, knocking it around well and probing patiently for a swift opening.

Koulibaly decides to go long with a fine lofted pass for Mount, who peels off the back of Yates before lashing wide from a tight angle.

A warning for the hosts.

KICK-OFF

16:31 , George Flood

Deafening noise as we kick off at the City Ground.

A tough test awaiting Chelsea here - will they rise to the challenge?

Peter Bankes is your referee today.

16:30 , George Flood

As with all games this weekend, we will have a minute’s applause ahead of kick-off in memory of the late, great Pele.

The Brazilian sporting icon passed away in hospital in Sao Paulo on Thursday at the age of 82 after a battle with bowel cancer.

16:29 , George Flood

Here come the teams at the City Ground!

A crackling atmosphere at this famous old stadium, as you might expect.

Can Forest seize on that advantage to cause an upset?

Or will Chelsea build on that morale-boosting win over Bournemouth?

Almost time to find out...

16:27 , George Flood

Ninth-placed Chelsea are only six points behind Tottenham in fifth now, with two games in hand (including today’s) after Spurs were stunned at home by Aston Villa earlier on.

The gap to Manchester United in fourth stands at eight points.

Meanwhile, Forest start the afternoon one place off the bottom of the Premier League and one point adrift of safety, with the worst goal difference in the division of -22.

16:23 , George Flood

Cesar Azpilicueta is not the only one reaching a major milestone today.

It’s also 150 Forest appearances up for long-serving midfielder and academy graduate Ryan Yates.

16:22 , George Flood

Steve Cooper tells Sky Sports that he wants a reaction from that insipid loss at Manchester United and another strong outing on home soil.

He also says it was always the plan for record signing Morgan Gibbs-White to return this afternoon.

16:20 , George Flood

This is the first clash between Forest and Chelsea at the City Ground since all the way back in 1999.

Chelsea have won all of their last seven games against today’s opponents, including five FA and League Cup meetings between 2000-20.

However, while Forest are wretched on the road, they are often a different beast on home soil with 11 of their 13 points earned since promotion coming in front of their own passionate fans.

All three of their league wins this term have been 1-0 victories at home, with Forest unbeaten in five home games across all competitions.

They usually score first at home, too. And the City Ground should be rocking on New Year’s Day.

Forest have not beaten Chelsea at all since 1997, by the way.

16:10 , George Flood

In his pre-match interview with Sky Sports, Chelsea boss Graham Potter confirms that only one change today is more to do with trying to maintain a winning formula rather than being hindered by a lack of options due to injury.

He backs seasoned skipper Azpilicueta to thrive as James’ replacement and says he likes the partnership that Zakaria has struck up with Jorginho, insisting the Swiss adds an extra bit of physicality in midfield.

Today is all about starting to build some momentum for Chelsea after that dire run before the World Cup break.

16:02 , George Flood

Here’s more from Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at the City Ground, with less than 30 minutes remaining until kick-off:

Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella at the City Ground

15:57 , George Flood

Standard Sport’s Nizaar Kinsella is in position at the City Ground with news of another major Chelsea milestone for long-serving captain Cesar Azpilicueta...

Cesar Azpilicueta takes yet another record at Chelsea ahead of lining up to face Nottingham Forest today.

He will become the overseas player with the most appearances for the club when he takes to the field at the City Ground, turning out for the Blues for the 495th time.

Two Forest changes as Henderson and Gibbs-White return

15:49 , George Flood

No Jesse Lingard for Forest after he limped out of the 3-0 defeat by former club Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday, with Steve Cooper making two changes in total.

Wayne Hennessey makes way for the return of Dean Henderson in goal after the latter was ineligible to face his parent club in midweek, while Lingard’s place is taken by Morgan Gibbs-White.

It is perhaps a surprise to see Forest’s record signing in the starting XI today after a muscle problem picked up in the mid-season friendly against Valencia.

On the bench, third-string ‘keeper Jordan Smith makes way with Henderson back.

One Chelsea change as Azpilicueta replaces James

15:42 , George Flood

Chelsea show just one change from the side that started the 2-0 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday night, with club captain Cesar Azpilicueta deputising for the injured Reece James, as he did off the bench at Stamford Bridge.

Otherwise it’s as you were, with Denis Zakaria keeping his place in midfield ahead of the returning Mateo Kovacic, who is on the bench alongside Hakim Ziyech.

Youngster Bashir Humphreys drops out of the first-team squad altogether.

Chelsea team

15:34 , George Flood

Starting XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Koulibaly, Thiago Silva, Cucurella, Zakaria, Jorginho, Mount, Sterling, Havertz, Pulisic

Subs: Kovacic, Aubameyang, Bettinelli, Chalobah, Ziyech, Gallagher, Chukwuemeka, Hutchinson, Hall

Nottingham Forest team

15:33 , George Flood

Starting XI: Henderson, Aurier, Worrall, Boly, Renan Lodi, Yates, Freuler, Mangala, Johnson, Awoniyi, Gibbs-White

Subs: Cook, Williams, Colback, Hennessey, O'Brien, Toffolo, Surridge, Dennis, McKenna

Lineups on the way

15:23 , George Flood

A wet and windy start to 2023 on the banks of the River Trent.

Official team news from the City Ground is now less than 10 minutes away. Stay tuned!

Cooper hails Giraldi role

15:09 , George Flood

Here’s more from Steve Cooper on his positive relationship with sporting director Filippo Giraldi, which he hopes can help guide Forest to Premier League safety this term.

Watford’s ex-technical director was appointed to his role at the City Ground in October after a behind-the-scenes shake-up instigated after that crazy summer transfer window.

"It's definitely been a positive step to have someone in that role, it's very common now," Cooper said.

"You can see the benefits from it and having the workload he can take on.

"I thought that at the time, and I thought it before to be honest I want to be a head coach, there's no doubt about that.

"What's the difference between a head coach and a manager? Not much sometimes.

"A leader's a leader.

"But it's good to be working with an experienced sporting director, for me as well it's good for the club."

Cooper: Forest now have ‘joined-up’ approach to transfers

14:59 , George Flood

There will be so much focus on Forest in the transfer market again this month, after they made an astonishing 22 signings over the summer in the aftermath of ending their 23-year Premier League exile via the Championship play-offs at Wembley.

Manager Steve Cooper has said that the club will not be “ashamed” into not making further moves in a bid to secure top-flight safety, with Brazilian midfielder Gustavo Scarpa having already been brought aboard for this month.

Many of those deemed responsible for the summer chaos have now moved on, with Cooper pleased to have sporting director Filippo Giraldi at the helm and a new joined-up approach to the window.

“What's different between the last window and this one is Filippo Giraldi is in now as sporting director and he takes a lot of the responsibility for the transfer windows," Cooper said.

"I've been working really closely with him on a daily basis and the lines of communication are good it's all joined-up thinking.

"It's a joined-up approach, there's no doubt. We've had changes in recruitment that people know about.

"Communication lines are good.

"But my focus is on the players who are available to train on a daily basis, ultimately, that's what my job is."

Benoit Badiashile to Chelsea update

14:44 , George Flood

A further update on Chelsea’s impending move for Benoit Badiashile now.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that the centre-back has already said goodbye to his team-mates and is not even on the bench for Monaco this afternoon in their Ligue 1 clash with Brest at the Stade Louis II.

His medical with Chelsea is scheduled for Monday, after which he will officially pen terms until the summer of 2029.

Happy with this deal, Blues fans?

Potter praise for Zakaria

14:37 , George Flood

It will be interesting to see if Denis Zakaria retains his place in the Chelsea midfield this afternoon with Mateo Kovacic back in the squad.

After not featuring at all amid a nightmare deadline-day summer loan from Juventus, the Swiss has impressed either side of the World Cup break, proving his worth once again with an all-action display against Bournemouth on Tuesday.

“Whenever Denis has played, he has not let us down," Graham Potter said at his pre-match press conference.

"He played in the Champions League against [Dinamo] Zagreb and scored, so he has shown his quality.

"I have said before, he has had to be patient because we have some good options in the midfield.

"It has to be remembered we didn't lose for the first few games, so it was hard for him to get that opportunity.

"But he has remained professional, worked really hard and it is why he got his reward (against Bournemouth) with a decent performance and a contribution to a win."

Chelsea transfer latest

14:29 , George Flood

Chelsea have been proactive in the transfer market so far ahead of January, securing deals for youngsters David Datro Fofana and Andrey Santos from Molde and Vasco da Gama respectively.

However, their senior ranks are also about to get a boost in the form of France international Benoit Badiashile.

Standard Sport’s Chelsea correspondent Nizaar Kinsella reports that a £33million fee for the centre-back has now been settled on with Ligue 1 outfit Monaco.

Badiashile has agreed a six-and-a-half-year deal to move to Stamford Bridge this month and will undergo a medical soon.

Graham Potter had been keen to move for another left-sided defender with both Wesley Fofana and Ben Chilwell injured and Thiago Silva yet to pen a contract extension, with the 21-year-old having just 18 months left to run on his deal with Monaco.

Chelsea also remain in talks with Benfica over a blockbuster £105m club-record swoop for Argentina’s World Cup-winning midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Read the full update in full here

Potter: No excuses for Chelsea despite injury woe

14:23 , George Flood

Graham Potter acknowledges that the World Cup break was not kind to Chelsea, who remain riddled with injury issues as they try desperately to close that daunting eight-point gap to the top four from down in ninth place.

However, the Blues boss insists he will not use such difficulties as an excuse for his side failing to hit the heights under his management so far.

“I am not making excuses. I am just telling you what I think of the situation. We have to deal with it," Potter said this week.

"The break hasn't been a positive one for us and I could have made lots of excuses had the result (against Bournemouth) not gone our way.

"We had four (senior) players for the first two weeks (of the World Cup), then players dripping back in and the break people think we have to work with the players isn't there.

"But you can't make those excuses, you just have to win - and we did (against Bournemouth) so that's good."

He added: “Our job is to try to get as many people back as we can.

"It has been a real tough period, as challenging as there has been in my time as a coach.

"But we are Chelsea and people don't want to hear those reasons or excuses. We have got to get on with it and try our best to find the answers."

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea prediction

14:14 , George Flood

Forest have conjured some fine performances at home against the big boys and will rally in front of a packed house today, but Chelsea have renewed confidence and can be trusted to secure a narrow victory.

Chelsea to win, 1-0.

Chelsea team news

14:12 , George Flood

Chelsea had Reece James back in the starting lineup in their much-needed 2-0 win over Bournemouth on Tuesday, yet he suffered a cruel setback early in the second half and is now set for another month on the sidelines.

Wesley Fofana and N’Golo Kante are still out, along with long-term absentee Armando Broja.

Ben Chilwell and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are likely to remain sidelined too today along with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who has a shoulder issue suffered at the World Cup with Senegal.

However, Graham Potter should at least be boosted by the respective returns of Mateo Kovacic and Hakim Ziyech, both now back in the fold after their respective exploits in Qatar.

Nottingham Forest team news

14:08 , George Flood

Forest boss Steve Cooper is still dealing with an extensive injury list, with the likes of Giulian Biancone, Omar Richards, Cheikhou Kouyate and Moussa Niakhate all still sidelined.

Jesse Lingard faces a late fitness test after a knock that forced him to limp out of the 3-0 defeat by former employers Manchester United on Tuesday night, while club-record signing Morgan Gibbs-White is also set to miss out.

But Dean Henderson is poised to return in goal this afternoon after missing out against his parent club at Old Trafford.

Where to watch Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea

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TV channel: In the UK, today’s match will be televised live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event, with coverage starting at 4pm GMT - after Tottenham’s meeting with Aston Villa.

Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the game live online via the Sky go app.

Welcome to Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea LIVE coverage!

14:03 , George Flood

Hello and welcome!

Nottingham Forest and Chelsea face off in today’s second Premier League game!

Headlining the New Year’s Day action, the two clubs endured rather different times in 2022 with Forest ending a long wait to return to the top-flight for exactly these kind of days.

Chelsea, meanwhile, stagnated somewhat and are searching for a renewed sense of hope under Graham Potter.

Keep it with Standard Sport for all your build-up, match action and reaction, with expert analysis from Nizaar Kinsella.

Kick-off at the City Ground is pencilled in for 4.30pm GMT.