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2023/24 English Premier League
Matchday 37
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea
City Ground
West Bridgford, England
Saturday, 11 May 2024
Kick-off is at 18h30
Chelsea will look to continue their late push for European football when they lock horns with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Saturday, May 11 in the late kick-off.
The Blues have been inconsistent for much of the season, although they still managed to reach the EFL Cup final and the FA Cup semi-finals, losing to Liverpool and Manchester City respectively.
But Mauricio Pochettino's side have started to hit some form in the final three months of 2023-24, losing just one of their last 10 games in the
Premier League.
A 5-0 hammering of West Ham at Stamford Bridge on May 5 lifted them up to seventh in the standings, level on 54 points with Manchester United (8th) and two behind Newcastle (6th).
The Magpies romped to a 4-1 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor on May 4, while the Red Devils were due to take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on May 6.
Forest gave their survival hopes a massive shot in the arm after beating basement boys Sheffield United 3-1 at Bramall Lane on May 4 which took them three points clear of the relegation zone.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side, who were deducted four points in March for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules, will retain their top-flight status if they manage to avoid defeat against the West Londoners.
Luton could only pick up a point against Everton after they played out to a 1-1 draw at Kenilworth Road on May 3, leaving the Hatters three points adrift of safety in 18th position.
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In team news, Nuno has an almost fully-fit squad to choose from, with just Neco Williams (thigh) unavailable. Pochettino has no such luck as he remains without Wesley Fofana, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka (all knee), Romeo Lavia (thigh), Enzo Fernandez (groin) and Robert Sanchez, although Lesley Ugochukwu and Reece James (both thigh) could come back into contention.
Pochettino believes things are starting to come together for his squad after a difficult start to his tenure, having his seen his players mature on the pitch in recent weeks.
"When the team is young, you have to put it all together and start working until everyone starts to find their space and starts to feel really confident. That is the most difficult thing and always takes time," the Argentine said.
"I said a few weeks ago, I am so happy now because we are so close to being in that position and that first step - after Tottenham, the way we competed was fantastic.
"The team is growing up very fast because that is the minimum standard that we need if we want to compete in this league. It was tough to arrive here [at this point] but now everything is going so fast and it is going to be fast being we have the quality."
Nuno hailed the desire of his players as they battled back from an early goal down to see off the Blades and believes that showing a united front will be key to avoiding the drop.
"The reaction after we conceded was very good. To go in level, it shows the character of the team. It shows the togetherness that we have and the commitment and the desire. It was a good moment," the Portuguese told Sky Sports.
Head-to-Head (Last Five Premier League Meetings)
Matches - 5
Forest wins - 1
Chelsea wins - 2
Draws - 2
Premier League Matchday 37 fixtures:
Saturday, May 11
13h30: Fulham v Manchester City
16h00: Bournemouth v Brentford
16h00: Everton v Sheffield United
16h00: Newcastle United v Brighton & Hove Albion
16h00: Tottenham Hotspur v Burnley
16h00: West Ham United v Luton Town
16h00: Wolverhampton Wanderers v Crystal Palace
18h30: Nottingham Forest v Chelsea
Sunday, May 12
17h30: Manchester United v Arsenal
Monday, May 13
21h00: Aston Villa v Liverpool
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