Steve Cooper not interested in Chelsea’s problems as Nottingham Forest fight the drop
Forest head to Stamford Bridge looking for the three points that could virtually secure their Premier League status.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Steve Cooper says Nottingham Forest’s assignment at Chelsea on Saturday is not made any easier by the London club’s recent struggles.
Forest head to Stamford Bridge looking for the three points that could virtually secure their Premier League status and will fancy their chances, despite their dreadful away record.
Chelsea ended a nine-game winless run at Bournemouth last week, but they have not won any of their last five league home matches.
Cooper says he does not take any notice of the problems Frank Lampard is enduring.
“We are playing Chelsea away so that is always going to be a tough game at any time of the season, you look at the squad they have, the changes they can make, the team they can start with, they have players all over the pitch who can make a difference and we have to be ready for that,” he said.
“I never pay any attention to any context around a team we play against apart from them being at their best because I always think you have to prepare for that.
“That’s what we’ll be doing. We want to go there with our best intentions of getting a result we really need and want.
“We have got to know what it takes from our guys to do well and try and minimise the strengths they have because there is a lot.”
Forest will give Serge Aurier every chance to be fit after he limped off in Monday night’s win over Southampton with a knock.
“Serge walked off and we’re doing everything we can to see if he’s available,” he said.
“Maybe in a different time of the season and if Neco (Williams) was fit it might be a different situation, but we are going to give him everything we have to be available. But that might be touch and go.
“(Gustavo) Scarpa is back in full training now so he won’t be far off being available. (Emmanuel) Dennis has been injured, he picked up a knock in training before Southampton and he is still not available.
“Still a bit of a mixed bag, it’s definitely been worse but not something we’re paying attention to.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments