Insider explains details of how Chelsea are preparing specifically for their opponent on Saturday | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca was last seen at a Chelsea game shuffling sheepishly down the tunnel after getting a second yellow following his celebration of Estevao Willian’s late winner against Liverpool a couple of weeks ago.

That red means he will serve a touchline ban when we face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Details of Maresca ban explained

Enzo Maresca in his wife’s jeans on the touchline. (Photo by Harry Murphy/Getty Images)

That seriously limits his abilities in game, although the rules aren’t as strict as they used to be. Kieran Gill’s Chelsea Confidential column explains a little about what the coach can and can’t do during the game:

“While Maresca is set to sit in the City Ground directors’ box… he will still be permitted to have a significant influence on the game itself,” the well connected Chelsea correspondent writes.

“The FA rules tell Maresca he can: communicate with colleagues within the dugout via telephone, a ‘runner’ or any other electronic device such as a radio or mobile phone; enter the changing rooms before kick-off, at half-time and after full-time; conduct pre-match and post-match press interviews.”

A key question is who they will be up against – Forest’s coach is already on the verge of the sack, and there are rumours we will be up against a very different team on Saturday:

“Chelsea have been preparing tactically for Forest as if Ange Postecoglou will be in charge despite rumours around Sean Dyche replacing him.

“The Blues are unlikely to lose sleep if it is a Postecoglou side they take on. Chelsea’s record versus the Australian reads: four games, four wins, aggregate 11-4 scoreline.”

In other news…

Things should be comfortable for the Blues even with Maresca on the touchline. We reckon Reece James will return from injury to be fit, while Enzo Fernandez could be used from the bench.

Chelsea’s long term midfield future looks pretty secure, with Reggie Walsh about to sign a first professional contract at the club.