Predicted Chelsea XI vs Forest: Palmer Returns in a 4-2-3-1
Malo Gusto (No. 27) Right back, France
Gusto returned from injury some weeks ago, and with club captain Reece James still out to injury, the spot is Gusto's to lose. He was not great against Brighton, but many Chelsea players weren't, and the overall performance was overshadowed by how rubbish the Seagulls were.
Wesley Fofana (No. 29) Centerback, France
Fofana has not been great so far this season, but he's not glaringly costing the Blues points, so he has remained in the lineup. He is averaging a worrying 2 fouls per game, attempting just 1.3 aerial duels per game, and winning just 42% of his ground duels so far. His distribution has also been unsurprisingly underwhelming, especially his long passing, only completing just 41% per game. His ball carrying has been superb though.
Levi Colwill (No. 6) Centerback, England
Colwill has been better, both defensively and distribution-wise. The 21-year-old Englishman has been very good on the ball, ranking second in volume of progressive passes amongst Chelsea players. He has also completed 80% of his tackles per game. He has been less effective in the air this season, attempting more aerial duels but winning a smaller proportion. He'd only get better from here, so Chelsea fans can be excited.
Marc Cucurella (No. 3) Left back, Spain
Cucurella has made the Left back spot his own, not because of stellar performances, but because his rival for the spot - Ben Chilwell - has not been given a chance. Cucurella has been exceptional in ground duels this season, though he's been rubbish in the air, as expected.
Enzo Fernandez (No. 8) Central midfielder, Argentina
Many fans believe Fernandez should no longer be starting games due to his horrid defending and underwhelming passing. Unfortunately, things aren't that simple, because Chelsea only has two other players who can play at central midfield in the pivot: Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, but Lavia is currently injured. Fernandez has averaged an appalling 83% passing so far. He has completed 57% of his tackles, won just 49% of his ground duels, and 33% of his aerials. For context, Cucurella has won a higher percentage of aerial duels than the world cup winner. This is without mentioning the 0.2 interceptions per game.
Moises Caicedo (No. 25) Central midfielder, Ecuador
Caicedo has been better than Fernandez, but it remains true that the two do not make up a competent midfield pivot. Caicedo has passed the ball better (88% accuracy), attempted and completed way more tackles (5.2, 4), and is averaging 1.7 interceptions per game. Caicedo has also been impeccable in his ground duels (64%), winning an impressive 6.3 per game. Maresca has to figure out a solution to the pivot, because the midfield has not been good, as evidenced by the fact that the keeper is facing 5.4 shots per game.