We simulated Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea ahead of crucial Premier League clash
Chelsea continue their hunt for a European spot this weekend, as they travel to relegation-threatened Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.
Mauricio Pochettino's side are unbeaten since the Blues' 5-0 defeat at Arsenal, and have won their last two games on the bounce, scoring seven without conceding a single goal, putting them ahead of Manchester United in the table and in contention for a place in Europe next season. Ahead of the game at Forest, Chelsea's injuries finally seem to be subsiding, with only eight players set to miss out through injury.
So, can Chelsea pick up another big three points at the City Ground? Let's see what FC 24 thinks.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea simulated to get a score prediction
To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 24 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.
We predict that Nottingham Forest could set up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, with their line-up as follows: Sels; Montiel, Boly, Murillo, Aina; Yates, Danilo; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood.
We predict that Chelsea could line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with their starting XI as follows: Petrovic; Gusto, Chalobah, Silva, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson.
Chelsea started fast in this game and were in control of possession, whilst creating a host of good chances. Jackson and Mudryk were both denied by good saves from Matz Sels in the Forest goal, and as the first half wore on, it was beginning to look like the Blues would never find the breakthrough.
But just before halftime, it did eventually come through a familiar source, with Cole Palmer finding the net with a great finish, after being played in on goal by Jackson after an impressive attacking move.
But after the half time break, Chelsea lost control and the game's momentum flipped on its head. Forest equalised within ten minutes of the restart, with substitute Divock Origi finding acres of space in the Chelsea penalty area and producing an easy finish to make it 1-1. Forest battered the away side for the entire half, with Petrovic having to make a series of great saves to keep the game level. It was a disappointing second-half for Pochettino's side, particularly after their strong first-half display.
EA FC 24 predicted final score: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Chelsea