Chelsea predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest: Kai Havertz leads the frontline

Defence:

Right back: Cesar Azpilicueta

Reece James has run out of good luck as nothing seems to be going his way. The knee injury has now sidelined him for at least a month and potentially forced Chelsea to alter their transfer plans and look for a stop gap solution in January.

Cesar Azpilicueta is the obvious choice in absence of James but he isn’t able to replicate what James can do with his raw pace and energy. It’s a bit too much to ask for from a 33 year old, but he can do what is an absolute necessity.

Centre back: Kalidou Koulibaly

Kalidou Koulibaly started alongside Thiago Silva in a back four against Bournemouth and was at ease for most parts of the game. Koulibaly should keep his place in the starting lineup.

Centre back: Thiago Silva

Thiago Silva was the better centre back last game and was involved heavily when Chelsea had the ball in their own half, which explains his 100 plus touches in the game. Silva has arguably been Chelsea’s best centre back and has carried out his duties diligently.

Left back: Marc Cucurella

With Ben Chilwell out and Marc Cucurella performing up to the mark, there is no reason to believe why Potter would think of chopping and changing Cucu at left back. He was heavily involved in the attacks that originated from the left side against the Cherries and will have more freedom to surge forward against Nottingham Forest.