Nottingham Forest take a welcome break from the rigours of the Championship this weekend, making the trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.

They were well beaten the last time the two sides met in the competitions and despite this not being the focus of their season, another heavy loss would be hugely detrimental to Aitor Karanka. He's under pressure to get them back up the division and wouldn't be helped with a humiliation at the hands of the Blues.

Despite that, there's every chance that Forest will shake up their starting XI with the Championship in mind. They might not have a choice, they've got an injury-ravaged squad at present and will likely be patched up for the journey.

It doesn't look like being a good afternoon for the Reds, but with the XI we've selected below, they might just be able to spring a surprise.

There's a chance for the manager to try something different and whilst it may be a risk elsewhere on the field, the keeper could well change.

Steele played four times during the League cup run and may well feature tomorrow.

They're going to have to be as strong as possible just to avoid a mauling at the Bridge, so they'll stick with what they know at right back.

Darikwa has been solid all season and deserves a shot at the Premier League side.

Osborn came off the bench against Leeds and looked impressive, we think Karanka might give him another run out at left back.

He's had a tough season, in and out of the side, but he's got a chance to shine on a big stage if he plays.

With a string of injuries to key players, the centre back pairing more or less picks itself.

Danny Fox has been reborn under Karanka and will surely be tasked with stopping Chelsea peppering the goal with efforts.

Figueiredo hasn't played regularly all season, he last featured for 75 minutes on December 22nd against QPR, but he could be in line to play tomorrow.

He's a reliable defender and this might be a route back into the first team for him.

Jack Colback isn't cup tied and after his heroics against Leeds, he'll surely start.

He's got a point to prove to Newcastle as well. If he shines against Chelsea it'll only further impress upon the Magpies what a loss he might be.

Yacob came from the Premier League last year and he's sure to partner Colback.

They've looked good together recently and there's no reason to tinker here. With Tachtsidis leaving and Bridcutt on the cusp of doing so, these tow seem to be nailed on to start.

Lolley is the man in form, creating goals and scoring them and if there's an upset on the cards, he'll be key.

He's such a talent, the danger is a good showing will put him firmly in the shop window. Forest won't want that at all.

Carvalho has a lot to prove still, he's clearly talented but he needs to be more effective on the ball.

Perhaps the bigger stage and stronger opposition will bring out the best in Forest's record signing.

Matty Cash is a homegrown talent who, at just 21, has a big future ahead of him.

He'll complete the bank of three behind the striker and he'll be hoping to show the watching nation what he can do,.

Forest are injury-ravaged which means a start for Daryl Murphy, the evergreen 35-year old.

He scored against Leeds and has been a big player for Forest, despite his advancing years.