Chelsea are preparing to host Nottingham Forest tomorrow afternoon in the Premier League, and the fanbase has suggested that Enzo Maresca make a big call with his team selection.
Chelsea welcome Forest to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon for their final game before this month’s international break.
The Blues go into the weekend on a five-game winning streak across all competitions, scoring 17 goals during this purple patch of form. Speaking last month via TNT Sports, Joe Cole said Chelsea’s attack can open up any defence in the world. We’re beginning to agree with him more and more this season.
Enzo Maresca, who’s enjoying life as Chelsea manager, has found the right balance so far in his team selection. He’s had a fairly settled side picking up wins in the Premier League, but will he be tempted into any changes because he’s also had an alternative XI impressing in cup competitions?
Chelsea fans want Christopher Nkunku in the league team
A selection of Chelsea supporters on social media believe that Christopher Nkunku should be picked in the starting line-up on Sunday.
The 26-year-old attacker has made a big impact this season, scoring seven goals in 10 games across all competitions. However, he’s only actually started one match in the Premier League to date because he’s behind Nicolas Jackson in the pecking order.
Here are many Blues fans on X explaining why Nkunku must get a rare league start versus Forest:
@Olivercfc04 claimed: “I would like to see Nkunku start up top for this one as Forest will likely play deep and he’s better at unlocking defences like that.”
@SamCFC_footy wrote: “I agree that Nkunku should be starting… The fact that we won’t get many chances and need to take the ones we get, early goals will be important. Jackson won’t get too much space to run in behind. Always felt using different personnel depending on the opposition is the way to utilise the full talent of our attacking depth.”
@fahdahmed987 posted: “Of course, Jackson also possesses good box movement. However, I think Nkunku is a more reliable finisher. In a game where Chelsea will be presented with very few attacking opportunities as well, I think it makes more sense to start Nkunku over Jackson.”
@Iam_Odinkem said: “This is the kind of game that Nkunku deserves to start. Only clinical players needed.”
@vaibhavrane2002 shared: “I won’t be surprised if Nkunku starts in place of Jackson. Forest play a low block and you won’t get many chances against Forest.”
Ruthless Christopher Nkunku
Will Chelsea fans get their wish on Sunday and see Nkunku make his second league start of the campaign?
In fairness, Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest side do have the ability to drop into a low block and defend resiliently. It’s how they carved out a shock 1-0 league defeat at Anfield against Liverpool last month.
The logic is there to bring Nkunku into the starting XI because he’s arguably the most clinical finisher in the entire Chelsea squad. Despite the impressive form of Jackson in the league, scoring four goals and making three assists this season, there’s still question marks around his finishing.
If it’s a tight and congested game against Forest, you’d have to feel more confident in Nkunku than Jackson to take a one-off chance in the penalty box.
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