Victories over Luton and Wimbledon hardly scream "lift off" for the Mauricio Pochettino era, but they were wins the former Tottenham boss desperately needed.
Chelsea's 2023/24 campaign had begun with a string of injuries and a point from their first two games, which rendered the Friday night home encounter against the Hatters a relatively nervy one.
Nevertheless, the Blues got the job done off the back of a majestic Raheem Sterling display, and they return to Stamford Bridge on Saturday for more Premier League action.
Chelsea take on Nottingham Forest this weekend, and here's the line-up Pochettino could deploy.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest (3-4-2-1)
GK: Robert Sanchez - The Spaniard is yet to convince for his new club in the Premier League, and he did little to ease the doubts of supporters by giving away a penalty in midweek too.
CB: Axel Disasi - The summer arrival started on Wednesday, but injuries mean he's assured of his place in the starting XI on Saturday.
CB: Thiago Silva - The classy customer perhaps hasn't been at his best to start the new campaign, but he remains Poch's leader at the heart of Chelsea's back three.
CB: Levi Colwill - Poch was desperate to retain Colwill this summer, and it's quickly become clear why. The left-footed defender has all the makings of a superstar defender.
RWB: Malo Gusto - The former Lyon defender deputised admirably for Reece James against Luton, with the Frenchman continuing down the right until the club captain returns.
CM: Moises Caicedo - It was a more stable showing for the Ecuadorian last time out following his nightmare debut cameo off the bench at West Ham.
CM: Enzo Fernandez - Fernandez was deployed in a more advanced role against Luton, but he could drop back and partner Caicedo against Forest with Poch making a change to his front three.
LWB: Ben Chilwell - There's a lack of suitable alternatives behind Chilwell, although the young and impressive Ian Maatsen earned minutes against Wimbledon. Nevertheless, Chilwell is a sure bet to return to the XI on Saturday.
RW: Noni Madueke - Here's the change Poch could make from his Luton XI. Madueke was excellent in Chelsea's Carabao Cup win on Wednesday, and doubts over Conor Gallagher's future could thrust Enzo into the pivot. Madueke is most deserving of a Premier League start should the boss decided to shake things up.
ST: Nicolas Jackson - The former Villarreal hitman got on the board in west London against the Hatters to round off the Blues' 3-0 victory. Jackson has impressed early on in his Chelsea career, and it looks like Poch might have his #9 for the present and future.
LW: Raheem Sterling - It's been a while since we've seen Sterling is such potent form. The England international has started 2023/24 like a man possessed, and he was Chelsea's match-winner last time out. He could be asked to switch flanks on Saturday, but the fluidity of Poch's front three will give him plenty of freedom to drift across the pitch.
READ THE LATEST CHELSEA NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
Callum Hudson-Odoi closing in on Nottingham Forest transfer
Callum Hudson-Odoi closing in on Nottingham Forest transfer
Callum Hudson-Odoi is close to joining Nottingham Forest on a permanent transfer from Chelsea, 90min understands.
Hudson-Odoi has been training with the Chelsea academy all summer as he waited for clarity on his future, with the Blues prepared to cash in after he returned from an underwhelming loan spell with Bayer Leverkusen.
Fulham were leading the race for Hudson-Odoi's signature but the two London rivals could not come to an agreement over a transfer fee, opening the door for Forest to swoop in and strike a deal.
The two clubs have already done business this summer, with midfielder Andrey Santos moving to the City Ground on loan, and Hudson-Odoi is set to join the Brazilian on a permanent basis.
For 22-year-old Hudson-Odoi, the move to Forest represents the chance to reunite with manager Steve Cooper, who gave the winger his England Under-17 debut back in 2016 and drew some excellent performances out of him at the European Championship the following year.
Forest are also back in talks with top target Ibrahima Sangare of PSV Eindhoven. The Ivory Coast international turned down an approach earlier this summer but Forest's offer has remained on the table and there is now hope he can be convinced to make the move.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have struck a £45m deal to sign Manchester City midfielder Cole Palmer, who is set to head to Stamford Bridge and provide a much-needed boost to Chelsea's homegrown coefficient.
Academy graduates Mason Mount, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Lewis Hall have all departed this summer and centre-back Trevoh Chalobah and midfielder Conor Gallagher continue to attract interest from elsewhere.
Bayern Munich, led by former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, have made contact over both players and are currently understood to be focusing on a move for Chalobah.
Chalobah is free to leave Chelsea for the right price this summer following the arrival of Axel Disasi from Monaco, although Gallagher appears set to stay after emerging as a key player under Mauricio Pochettino.
Left-back Ian Maatsen, who has also impressed Pochettino, has entered the final 12 months of his contract and has plenty of interest from across the Premier League.
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest - Premier League
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest - Premier League
By Euan Burns
Manchester United are in serious need of a morale-boosting win in more ways than one, with the first two games of the Premier League season doing little to convince fans a title challenge is in the offing.
While they did get three points against Wolves at Old Trafford to begin the season, it was a largely poor display that contained a favour from the officials after Andre Onana's wild challenge in the box late on.
A poor second half against Tottenham meant they were beaten 2-0 in north London last weekend, so a big performance at home to Nottingham Forest is needed this Saturday at 15:00 BST.
Here's the team Erik ten Hag could choose to deliver a victory at Old Trafford against Steve Cooper's side.
- Man Utd vs Nottingham Forest - Premier League: TV channel, team news, lineups and prediction
Man Utd predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)
GK: Andre Onana - The Cameroonian was solid again against Tottenham and it's clear he will bring qualities De Gea didn't. He also managed to avoid a moment like the one against Wolves.
RB: Aaron Wan-Bissaka - One of the more heavily contested places in the Man Utd team this season, Wan-Bissaka will get the nod because of the need for cover elsewhere.
CB: Raphael Varane - Man Utd's top scorer so far this season with one goal, something Erik ten Hag will hope changes after this game against Forest. Unless Varane just keeps scoring from corners each week.
CB: Lisandro Martinez - The Argentine is one of a number of undroppable names at United and while some focus is on centre-backs in the market right now, that is all going on beneath Martinez and his partner.
LB: Diogo Dalot - With Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia out injured, it's likely the versatile Dalot will switch flanks to provide United with a welcome boost.
CM: Casemiro - It has not been a great start to the season for Casemiro and fears are setting in about his mobility, but there is still time for him to change the record in that regard.
CM: Christian Eriksen - Coming in for the injured Mason Mount, the Denmark international will want to show why he should keep that place in the midfield alongside Casemiro.
RW: Antony - Another player who has made a poor start to the season. There would be a lot more pressure on Antony's position if Amad Diallo had not picked up an injury shortly before the campaign started.
AM: Bruno Fernandes - The creator-in-chief, Fernandes will want to get his first goal of the season in the bag at Old Trafford and as captain he won't let many of his teammates put in another lacklustre display.
LW: Jadon Sancho - Having started Alejandro Garnacho in the last two games, Ten Hag may opt for Sancho on the left this time just to see if the Englishman can make a bit more of an impact.
ST: Marcus Rashford - Rasmus Hojlund's debut for Man Utd isn't likely to come before September so Rashford will remain down the middle for now.
READ THE LATEST MAN UTD NEWS, TRANSFER RUMOURS & GOSSIP
Arsenal agree deal to loan Nuno Tavares to Nottingham Forest
Arsenal agree deal to loan Nuno Tavares to Nottingham Forest
Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares is set to join Nottingham Forest on loan with a view to a permanent transfer, 90min understands.
Tavares spent last season on loan with Marseille, publicly admitting his disappointment that his contract with the French side did not include an option to buy.
The left-back has been granted his wish this time around as 90min understands Forest have struck a loan deal which will see them given the chance to sign Tavares permanently next summer.
Forest had to fend off plenty of competition to land Tavares, with clubs from across Europe all keen on his services.
Talks between Forest and Arsenal appeared to stall last week, allowing Aston Villa to join the race for his signature, but Steve Cooper's side have now managed to get a deal done.
Tavares could be one of a number of potential departures from Arsenal before the summer transfer window comes to a close.
Striker Folarin Balogun is closing in on a switch to Monaco which will net the Gunners over £40m, while the likes of Rob Holding and Cedric Soares could be sold as well.
One player who is not currently being earmarked for an exit is versatile midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, for whom an enquiry from Chelsea was recently knocked back.
Manchester United fixtures: Next six games after Nottingham Forest victory
Manchester United fixtures: Next six games after Nottingham Forest victory
Everything looked so rosy for Manchester United only a few weeks ago. A promising first season under Erik ten Hag, some new glamorous signings and a potential takeover still firmly on the horizon.
Fast forward to the present moment and things look very different.
An unconvincing and narrow 1-0 victory over Wolves on the opening weekend was followed by a disheartening 2-0 defeat at Tottenham. Ten Hag's return to Old Trafford didn't got to plan either with United having to stage a dramatic comeback during their 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest after conceding two goals in the first five minutes.
With more signings looking increasingly unlikely for the Red Devils, things must improve on the pitch quickly, and Ten Hag must find a way to get his side back to their best.
Here are Manchester United's next six fixtures.
Arsenal vs Manchester United - Premier League
Things don't get much easier for United any time soon as they face a trip to the Emirates Stadium in their next fixture. Arsenal haven't made the most convincing start to the season either, but they will arguably prove the toughest test that Ten Hag's side have faced so far this campaign.
In their final game before the international break, United will need to significantly improve to have any hope of getting a point or more in north London. The Red Devils have not tasted victory at the Emirates since their FA Cup triumph in January 2019.
- 03/09/23 - Arsenal vs Manchester United (16:30)
Manchester United vs Brighton - Premier League
A similarly difficult fixture these days, Brighton will fancy their chances when they travel to Old Trafford after the international break. Roberto De Zerbi has managed to maintain high standards despite losing Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister this summer and the visiting Seagulls will make life difficult for United.
Brighton did the league double over United last season but Ten Hag's men did triumph in the FA Cup semi-final after penalties. The Red Devils have struggled at Old Trafford so far this season and this will prove a mighty test of their credentials.
- 16/09/23 - Manchester United vs Brighton (15:00)
2023/24 Champions League group stage - Matchday 1
Ten Hag doesn't know who his side will face in the Champions League group stages just yet, but he will come 31 August. His side sit in pot two this season, meaning there are some tough potential opponents that United could face.
United could face the likes of Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Napoli, but will be glad to be back in Europe's elite competition regardless of their opponents.
- 19-20/09/23 - Champions League group stage - Matchday 1
Burnley vs Manchester United - Premier League
United will face a familiar foe when they travel to Turf Moor: Vincent Kompany. The Burnley boss and former Manchester City captain has been at war with the Red Devils many times in the past, but Ten Hag's side will be the favourites for this particular battle.
It will be United's first meeting with a newly-promoted side this campaign, and their first clash with Burnley since their 2-0 victory over the Lancashire side in last season's Carabao Cup.
- 23/09/23 - Burnley vs Manchester United (20:00)
2023/24 Carabao Cup third round
The Red Devils will begin their defence of the Carabao Cup in late September, although they are yet to know their first opponents. The competition provided Ten Hag with his first taste of silverware in English football last campaign.
United enter the competition at the third round, with the draw likely to take place on either the 29 or 30 August.
- 27-28/09/23 - 2023/24 Carabao Cup third round
Manchester United vs Crystal Palace - Premier League
United will be hoping their form has improved by the time Crystal Palace travel to Old Trafford in late September. It's another fixture Ten Hag's side will be expected to win, but a tricky test nonetheless.
In fact, Palace have won two of their last four trips to Old Trafford, those being successive victories in 2019 and 2020.
- 30/09/23 - Manchester United vs Crystal Palace (15:00)
Date / Kick-off Time (BST) | Fixture |
|---|---|
03/09/23 -16:30 | Arsenal vs Manchester United |
16/09/23 -15:00 | Manchester United vs Brighton |
19-20/09/23 - 17:45/20:00 | Champions League group stage - Matchday 1 |
23/09/23 -20:00 | Burnley vs Manchester United |
27-28/09/23 | 2023/24 Carabao Cup third round |
30/09/23 - 15:00 | Manchester United vs Crystal Palace |
