Pundits Chris Sutton and Mark Lawrenson have both predicted Nottingham Forest to have a tough afternoon when they take on Chelsea on New Year's Day (4:30pm kick-off).
The Reds will host Graham Potter's side at the City Ground on the back of a 3-0 defeat to Manchester United last time out. Chelsea, meanwhile, beat Bournemouth in their last outing of 2022.
Despite Chelsea's goal issues this season, scoring just 19 times in 15 games, both pundits believe Forest will suffer a narrow defeat. The Reds are winless since mid-November after their 1-0 success over Crystal Palace before the World Cup break.
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Sutton wrote in his BBC Sport column: "Chelsea got a much-needed win over Bournemouth last time out, and they deserved it too. Nottingham Forest huffed and puffed a bit against Manchester United without ever really looking like they would get anything out of the game.
"Chelsea's biggest issue this season has been goal-scoring, but Forest have bigger problems in that department. They don't have enough of a threat up front. It feels like Forest's hopes of staying up rest on their home form because they are so poor away, but I can't see them picking up any points this time. I'm going for a narrow Chelsea win."
Lawrenson who was in agreement, told Paddy Power: "Forest just wilted away at Old Trafford. Chelsea had a solid win but they’ve lost Reece James with injury again so I wonder if they’ll buy someone to help cover that position. They’ll have enough to win this.
Pundits prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Chelsea.
What is your prediction vs Chelsea? Tell us in the comments section...
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