Stamford Bridge sets the stage for a classic Premier League culture clash on September 2, Sunday as mega-rich Chelsea take on upstart newcomers Nottingham Forest.

The Blues' bank account boasts more digits than a Wall Street tycoon after another extravagant spending spree. New manager Mauricio Pochettino has over £500 million of talent at his disposal.

But can all these glitzy new signings gel into a cohesive unit? Early results have been mixed as Chelsea try to find their groove under Pochettino.

Forest finds themselves at the other end of football's food chain after returning to the top flight on a modest budget. But being massive underdogs won't faze the Tricky Trees.

Led by captain Joe Worrall, Forest isn't here to make up the numbers. They've already pushed Manchester United hard in a thriller at Old Trafford.

Forests are sure to be organized and fired up for the daunting trip south. The City Ground faithful will flock to away day capital London in the hope of witnessing an upset.

Chelsea should have too much-attacking firepower if they can click into gear. However, the spirited Tricky Trees can't be ruled out if they catch the complacent Blues napping.

Chelsea vs Nottingham

The match will take place on Saturday, 2nd September, 2023, at Stamford Bridge, in Fulham, adjacent to the borough of Chelsea in West London.

Sterling Silver Stars as Chelsea Outclass Plucky Hatters

Chelsea's array of expensive superstars eventually proved too much for courageous Luton as the Blues cruised to a 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge.

The scoreline scarcely did justice to the valiant efforts of the vastly outgunned visitors. But in Raheem Sterling, Chelsea boasted the one game-changing talent that Luton could not contain.

The England winger was simply sensational, scything through the Hatters defense at will. His dazzling dribbling and clinical finishing showed exactly why Chelsea splashed £50 million to lure him from City.

Sterling seized the game by the scruff of the neck early on. A magical jinking run and shot put Chelsea ahead, setting the tone for the rout.

Luton refused to roll over, defending bravely and even threatening the Blues backline on rare forays forward. But moments of individual brilliance were always Chelsea's most likely route to goal.

Right on cue, Sterling produced another top drawer finish midway through the second half to double Chelsea's advantage. The winger could have walked off the pitch to a standing ovation after a vintage showing.

Instead, he saved the best for last by teeing up young striker Nicolas Jackson for his debut Chelsea goal. It capped a heartwarming evening for Blues fans that started with a rousing reception for returning hero John Terry.

With Sterling hitting his sweet spot, Chelsea's other expensive arrivals like Kai Havertz and Enzo Fernandez could afford an off night. When Plan A falters, give the ball to Sterling and let him weave his magic.

Manager Mauricio Pochettino was delighted with the display and especially the form of his rejuvenated winger. After a tough first season, the Sterling of old looks back to his scintillating best.

That will be a frightening prospect for Chelsea's rivals this season. When Sterling plays with a smile on his face, most opponents end up looking glum. On this evidence, the good times could be rolling again at the Bridge.

Forest Push United All The Way in Thriller

Newly-promoted Nottingham Forest emerged with reputations enhanced despite falling 3-2 to Manchester United in a classic at Old Trafford.

Many predicted a routine win for United against Premier League new boys Forest. But the plucky underdogs had other ideas in a pulsating end-to-end clash.

Forest took the game to United right from the off, tearing into the hosts with fiery intensity. A brace of goals in the opening five minutes shell-shocked Old Trafford into silence.

Taiwo Awoniyi barged aside the dozing Marcus Rashford before racing clear to slot home the opener. Then Morgan Gibbs-White's free-kick was headed in by an unmarked Willy Boly at the far post.

Forest were rampant and could have added more as United's defense shaped up like traffic cones. Only some last-ditch blocks prevented a bigger first-half deficit for the rattled hosts.

When Forest fans cheekily chanted "You're getting sacked in the morning", Erik ten Hag wore the look of a man ready to tear up his contract. But his team eventually showed some backbone in a helter-skelter second period.

United hit back as Christian Eriksen prodded home before Casemiro redeemed himself by lashing in the equalizer he barely deserved after some hapless errors.

As the rain poured down, this end-to-end epic swayed one way then the other. But inevitably, United's superior individual talents came to the fore late on.

Captain Bruno Fernandes, a livewire all game, drew a foul in the area before slotting in the winner from the spot. It was tough battling Forest, who gave as good as they got for much of the contest.

Boss Steve Cooper took pride in his players pushing United to the limit and will be optimistic of survival after this spirited showing.

As ever with United, it was the hardest way possible. But Ten Hag will be relieved his stars eventually dug deep to grind out victory - just about restoring calmer waters after a rocky start.

Predicted Lineups

Chelsea Predicted Lineup: Robert Sánchez, Ben Chilwell, Thiago Silva, Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto, Moisés Caicedo, Enzo Fernández, Roméo Lavia, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke

Nottingham Predicted Lineup: Matt Turner, Scott McKenna, Moussa Niakhaté, Felipe, Anthony Elanga, Danilo, Remo Freuler, Neco Williams, Morgan Gibbs-White, Taiwo Awoniyi, Brennan Johnson

Key Battles

• Morgan Gibbs-White vs Jorginho - Forest's creative hub vs Chelsea's deep-lying pivot, who can dictate play.

• Serge Aurier vs Marc Cucurella - Aurier's forward forays must be limited by Chelsea's attacking left-back Cucurella.

• Brennan Johnson vs Reece James - Battle of pace down the wings between Johnson and England right-back James.