Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea

Match Reports & Analysis

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
Oct 18, 2025 12:30 pm
0 - 3

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea Preview

Match details

Date: October 18 2025, 12:30 BST

Stadium: The City Ground

Confirmed lineups

Nottingham Forest (3-4-3)
  • Goalkeeper: M. Sels
  • Defenders: N. Milenković, Morato, Murillo
  • Midfielders: N. Williams, I. Sangaré, O. Zinchenko, Douglas Luiz
  • Forwards: M. Gibbs-White, T. Awoniyi, Elliot Anderson
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
  • Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez
  • Defenders: R. James, T. Chalobah, Joshua Kofi Acheampong, Marc Cucurella
  • Midfielders: R. Lavia, Malo Gusto
  • Forwards: Pedro Neto, A. Garnacho, João Pedro

Missing players

Nottingham Forest will be without O. Aina, Douglas Luiz, O. Zinchenko, and C. Wood, all of whom are facing injuries. Their absence is likely to impact the team's midfield and defensive stability.

Chelsea faces several player absences including T. Adarabioyo, L. Colwill, L. Delap, Dário Essugo, M. Mudryk, C. Palmer, Andrey Santos, E. Fernández, W. Fofana, and R. James due to various injuries and a suspension, which may weaken their attacking options.

Match background

This Premier League clash features Nottingham Forest, struggling in the relegation zone, against a Chelsea side aiming to improve their mid-table position. The stakes are high for both teams as they seek vital points.

Recent form

Nottingham Forest comes into this match struggling with four consecutive losses followed by a draw. Their recent performances have shown significant defensive vulnerabilities, leading to 12 goals conceded in just 7 matches.

Chelsea's form has been mixed with three losses in their last four games, including a recent win. They have exhibited attacking flair but need to tighten their defense after conceding 9 goals in the same number of matches.

Head-to-head record

  • May 25 2025: Nottingham Forest 0 - 1 Chelsea
  • October 6 2024: Chelsea 1 - 1 Nottingham Forest
  • May 11 2024: Nottingham Forest 2 - 3 Chelsea
  • September 2 2023: Chelsea 0 - 1 Nottingham Forest
  • May 13 2023: Chelsea 2 - 2 Nottingham Forest

Prediction

This match could be tightly contested given both teams' recent struggles. Nottingham Forest's poor form and Chelsea's defensive issues suggest a cautious game. Betting tip: Consider betting on Under 2.5 Goals, given the lack of attacking efficiency from Nottingham Forest and Chelsea's recent trends.

Betting tipConsider betting on Under 2.5 Goals, given the lack of attacking efficiency from Nottingham Forest and Chelsea's recent trends.
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest
May 4, 2026 3:00 pm
1 - 3

Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest Preview

Match details

Date: May 4 2026, 15:00 BST

Venue: Stamford Bridge

Confirmed lineups

Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
  • Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez
  • Defenders: M. Gusto, T. Chalobah, T. Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella
  • Midfielders: R. Lavia, M. Caicedo, C. Palmer, E. Fernández
  • Forwards: J. Derry, João Pedro
Nottingham Forest (4-4-2)
  • Goalkeeper: M. Sels
  • Defenders: Z. Abbott, Jair, Morato, L. Netz
  • Midfielders: J. McAtee, N. Domínguez, R. Yates, D. Bakwa
  • Forwards: Igor Jesus, T. Awoniyi

Match background

This match sees Chelsea, currently in 9th place, hosting Nottingham Forest, positioned at 16th in the league. Chelsea seeks to end a four-match losing streak, while Forest aims to continue their positive momentum.

Recent form

Chelsea has struggled recently, suffering four consecutive losses in the league, which has put their mid-table position under pressure. They have scored 53 goals this season but have also conceded 45, revealing defensive vulnerabilities that need addressing.

Nottingham Forest is on a roll, with three wins in their last four matches, including back-to-back victories. They have scored 41 goals this season, but their defensive record is similar to Chelsea's, conceding 45 goals as well.

Head-to-head record

  • October 18 2025: Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea
  • May 25 2025: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea
  • October 6 2024: Chelsea 1-1 Nottingham Forest
  • May 11 2024: Nottingham Forest 2-3 Chelsea
  • September 2 2023: Chelsea 0-1 Nottingham Forest

Prediction

Given Chelsea's recent struggles and Nottingham Forest's improving form, this match could be tightly contested. However, Chelsea's home advantage may prove decisive.

Betting tip: Chelsea to win.

Betting tipChelsea to win.