This weekend’s crucial Premier League showdown sees Nottingham Forest host Chelsea at the iconic City Ground this Saturday.
Nottingham Forest, under the leadership of their recently appointed coach Angelos Postecoglou, are still chasing their inaugural win of the campaign. This looming pressure weighs heavily on both the manager and players as they prepare to face a formidable Chelsea side.
On the other hand, Enzo Maresca‘s Chelsea squad looks to capitalize on Forest’s recent difficulties. Supporters can expect a fiercely contested encounter.
In this Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea Preview, both teams are desperate to secure a vital victory that could alter the trajectory of their seasons.
Match Preview: Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
Chelsea recently ended a three-match winless streak with a last-minute goal against Liverpool, courtesy of the young Brazilian sensation Estevao.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest have struggled to find form, failing to win in their last five matches, including a recent defeat to Newcastle prior to the international break. The Tricky Trees will be eager to impress their fans on home soil against a strong Chelsea lineup.
Despite Chelsea being favorites, their away performances have been patchy, with only three victories in their last 14 Premier League away fixtures. If Postecoglou can exploit this weakness, he might claim his first win at the City Ground.
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Historical Context: Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
Since Nottingham Forest’s promotion back to the Premier League, Chelsea have generally held the upper hand, often dominating their encounters. These matches have frequently been goal-rich, averaging over 2.5 goals per game.
Forest have conceded in every one of their last five clashes with Chelsea. The most recent three results are as follows:
- Nottingham Forest 0 – 1 Chelsea (May 25, 2025)
- Chelsea 1 – 1 Nottingham Forest (October 6, 2024)
- Nottingham Forest 2 – 3 Chelsea (May 11, 2024)
Team News Ahead of Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
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Nottingham Forest’s defender Ola Aina (Image Credit: Imago)
Nottingham Forest will be without their key defender Ola Aina, who has been out injured for the last month. On a brighter note, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Douglas Luiz have recovered and are expected to return to the lineup.
Postecoglou is anticipated to field a three-man defense, mirroring the formation used in their recent Europa League fixture against FC Midtjylland.
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca after receiving a red card in the recent Liverpool match (Photo Credit: Chelsea/X)
Chelsea face their own hurdles, with manager Enzo Maresca suspended for this game following a red card and a subsequent one-match ban. Additionally, Levi Colwill, Liam Delap, and Mykhaylo Mudryk remain sidelined due to injuries. However, the Blues are hopeful to welcome back Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernandez, both of whom have recovered from minor injuries sustained during the international break.
Expected Starting Elevens
Nottingham Forest: Sanchez; James, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Estevao, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro
Chelsea: Sels; Cunha, Milenkovic, Murillo; Savona, Sangare, Anderson, Williams; Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus
Match Outlook and Betting Recommendations
Given Nottingham Forest’s ongoing difficulties and Chelsea’s historical dominance, the visitors are tipped to claim a convincing win. Nonetheless, Forest will be determined to put up a strong fight in front of their home supporters.
Predicted Result: Nottingham Forest 1-3 Chelsea
Betting Suggestions for Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
- Chelsea to emerge victorious
- More than 2.5 goals scored
- Jaoa Pedro to score