BREAKING NEWS: live from Stamford bridge, Chelsea legend tells club to bench Flop against Nottingham forest if the want to emerge victorious at home soil on Sunday. He said, “Starting him against Nottingham Forest is an absolute joke! This is the only team that’s managed to beat a solid Liverpool in the Premier League this season, and you’re telling me we’re risking our 3 points with this guy? If Chelsea wants to win, he MUST be replaced—no question about it

Chris Sutton has predicted that Chelsea will emerge victorious in their upcoming Premier League match against Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, October 6. Despite expecting Chelsea to win, Sutton doesn’t think they will manage to keep a clean sheet.

Chelsea have had an impressive start to the 2024-25 season, showing solid form under their new manager, Enzo Maresca, who was appointed during the summer. Although there was some skepticism surrounding Maresca’s ability to lead the team, he has quickly proved himself. Chelsea are currently sitting in fourth place in the league, with four wins so far, trailing the top by just two points. Sutton believes the Blues will continue their strong run of form when they face Nottingham Forest at home.

In an interview with BBC Sport, Sutton reflected on Chelsea’s improved predictability this season:

“Chelsea are a lot easier to read this year. Even if I don’t always get the scorelines right, I’ve done better at predicting their results overall. I have a connection to this Chelsea squad, just like I did during my time as a player there.”

On the other hand, Sutton admitted that Nottingham Forest have been more unpredictable for him this season. He expressed disappointment with their recent performances:

“I’ve had a tough time with Nottingham Forest’s matches. I thought they would pull something off against Fulham last week, but they didn’t. I won’t be making that mistake again.”

Sutton also highlighted Chelsea’s rising star Cole Palmer, praising his impact:

“Cole Palmer is on fire at the moment. Manchester City made a huge mistake letting him go. He plays with such confidence, and it feels like he’s always going to score. It’s a real joy to watch him play. I think Forest might manage to sneak a goal, as I’m not fully convinced by Chelsea’s defense, but I still expect a home win.”

His final prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Nottingham Forest.

Similarly, Alan Shearer has also backed Chelsea to take all three points against Nottingham Forest. Shearer pointed out the Blues’ impressive form and contrasted it with Forest’s recent struggles, particularly their 1-0 defeat to Fulham. Like Sutton, Shearer praised Cole Palmer’s form this season.

Palmer has been a standout performer for Chelsea, continuing the momentum from his strong performances last season, where he racked up 27 goals and 15 assists. This season, he has already contributed six goals and four assists in just six matches. His performance in Chelsea’s 4-2 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend was particularly impressive, as he scored all four of Chelsea’s goals in the first half, setting a new record in the process.

When giving his predictions for the weekend’s fixtures, Shearer told Metro:

“Chelsea are on a roll right now. Forest didn’t have the best result against Fulham at home, and they’ll be looking to bounce back. But given Chelsea’s form, especially with Cole Palmer in such great shape, I think Chelsea will win this one.”

Both Sutton and Shearer are confident that Chelsea will extend their winning streak. While Sutton predicts a 2-1 victory, both pundits agree that Nottingham Forest may find a way to score, but it won’t be enough to stop Chelsea, especially with Palmer in top form. The general consensus is that Chelsea, powered by Palmer’s brilliance, will continue their impressive run this season.