Maurizio Sarri will get his first taste of the FA Cup as Chelsea host Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The Blues come off a disappointing 0-0 draw against Southampton in their previous tie and would want to put up a better showing at the weekend.
There could be a mixed team sent out for the clash as Forest cannot be taken lightly. The Championship side lies seventh in the table as they chase Premier League promotion.
The FA Cup is known to produce shocks, however, Chelsea should have enough quality to beat Forest, and here is the predicted line-up for the Blues.
Predicted Chelsea XI
Formation: 4-3-3
Manager: Maurizio Sarri
Willy Caballero (GK)
Kepa Arrizabalaga has been a mainstay since joining in the summer and could be given a break with the experienced keeper taking over.
Davide Zappacosta (RB)
The Italian has played most of our cup games this season, and it should not change ahead of this tie either.
Andreas Christensen (CB)
The Dane should be another player that comes into the team after failing to regularly play in the Premier League.
David Luiz (CB)
Luiz should be in the line-up as his experience will be crucial in getting us the win.
Emerson Palmieri (LB)
Palmieri should also start for us on Saturday as we give Marcos Alonso a rest against Forest.
Cesc Fabregas (CM)
The Spaniard would provide a lot of experience to this mixed Chelsea side as we look to progress into the fourth round.
Ethan Ampadu (CM)
There are great things expected from the youngster at Stamford Bridge, and hopefully, he gets a start against the lower-league opposition.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (CM)
The Englishman deserves more starts for Chelsea and should be in the XI to face Forest.
Callum Hudson-Odoi (RW)
The youngster hasn’t played many minutes this season, but should start on Saturday.
Alvaro Morata (ST)
Olivier Giroud’s injury means more playing time for Morata as he looks to find a goal somehow for Chelsea.
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Eden Hazard (LW)
The Belgian would have wanted a bit of a rest but with Willian and Pedro doubts, Hazard must start against Forest.