Chelsea will be looking to continue their momentum from defeating Liverpool when the Premier League returns this weekend, and Enzo Maresca has already been handed some good news.
The Blues’ 2025-26 campaign started with inconsistent results and performances, but their late victory against the Reds fueled their belief.
Estevao Willian scored in the game’s dying embers at Stamford Bridge, moving Chelsea up to seventh in the Premier League table.
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Now the Blues are preparing to compete against Nottingham Forest in their first game back after the international break, and Chelsea will be pleased with a decision the Premier League have made.
Chelsea v Liverpool - Premier League
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Enzo Maresca will be pleased with referee appointment for Nottingham Forest clash
Chelsea will travel to the City Ground on Saturday, aiming to increase the pressure on Ange Postecoglou following his dismal start to life at Nottingham Forest.
Postecoglou has failed to win a single game since replacing Nuno Espirito Santo, and Chelsea will have gained slight confidence because of who the match-day official is.
It has been confirmed that Chris Kavanagh will referee Chelsea’s game this weekend. Given their recent disciplinary problems, this might be exactly what the Blues need.
Maresca’s men have received multiple red cards this season, which have caused the Blues numerous problems against Manchester United and Brighton.
However, in the 21 Chelsea games Kavanagh has officiated he has never sent someone from the club off, which is a trend the squad will aim to continue.
In addition, the last time he worked a game between these two teams, Nottingham Forest was reduced to 10 men after James Ward-Prowse was sent off.
Enzo Maresca will be banned from the touchline this weekend
While Maresca hopes his team can showcase better discipline on the pitch against Nottingham Forest, he won’t be on the touchline to watch the game unfold.
Maresca might have called out his players and used their disciplinary issues to excuse some of their defeats this season, but he was sent off against Liverpool.
The Chelsea boss sprinted down the pitch to join in the celebrations at the end of the game against Arne Slot’s men, which resulted in his receiving a red card.
Maresca will now serve a touchline ban for this weekend, meaning he won’t be involved in the match itself.