Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest
FA Cup 2018-19
Venue: Stamford Bridge
Date: Saturday 5 January 2019
Kick-off: 3pm GMT
Chelsea begin the defence of their FA Cup title at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
As well as making their mark on the world's most famous domestic competition, the Blues will be desperate to impress after a sorry showing against Southampton midweek, while the Bridge will want to be at its best to say goodbye to Cesc Fabregas in what looks set to be his final game for the club.
Under pressure Aitor Karanka and his Forest side ended a run of five games without a win with victory over Championship leaders Leeds United on New Year's Day.
Team news
Willian, Pedro and Olivier Giroud are out, while Eden Hazard is poised to be rested as Blues boss Maurizio Sarri prepares to rotate his options.
Assistant boss Gianfranco Zola said: "He's played a lot of games. We're very demanding of him. I believe tomorrow he might get a bit of rest.
"You have to consider there are players who have played five games in a row.
"There will be rotations. We have some injuries, like Willian, like Giroud, like Pedro. Obviously this will leave space for some of the young players."
Callum Hudson-Odoi is fit again following a hamstring injury and could feature.
Score prediction: Chelsea 4-0 Nottingham Forest
The Blues should be more than equipped to ease past Forest into the fourth round.
Betting tips via Betfair | UK users only | Subject to change
Match odds
- Chelsea win:1/4
- Nottingham Forest win: 12/1
- Draw: 5/1
First goalscorer odds
- Callum Hudson-Odoi: 5/1
- Ruben Loftus-Cheek: 11/2
- Ross Barkley: 15/2
Click here to find the latest match odds and place a bet
TV channel and live stream online coverage
The match will not be available to watch live in the UK.
But you can follow all the action with Standard Sport's LIVE blog.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
There have been 92 meetings between these two sides over the years with the Blues winning 38 of those.
Forest have racked up 26 wins themselves, however.
Chelsea eased to a 5-1 win over Forest the last time these two met in the League Cup in September 2017.
