Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea Preview

• Chelsea to win
• Both teams to score

Many predicted that Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou would face the sack during the international break, but the Australian tactician has been given more time to turn things around. He resumes his search for a maiden win in charge as his struggling Forest side host Chelsea at the City Ground, in what could prove a defining moment for his tenure.

Life at the City Ground could hardly have started worse for Ange Postecoglou. The former Tottenham manager is still waiting for his first victory after seven competitive matches (D2, L5), a run that has seen the pressure mount significantly. Their most recent outing — a 2-0 defeat away to Newcastle before the international break — exposed many of the same frailties that have plagued Forest throughout the campaign: defensive disorganisation, lack of cutting edge, and a worrying inability to control games.

Home advantage hasn’t offered much comfort either. Forest have lost both of their home league matches this season, and the crowd’s patience is beginning to wear thin. With speculation already linking Sean Dyche to the role should results continue to go south, Postecoglou’s margin for error is rapidly diminishing. The numbers don’t paint a pretty picture — Forest are winless in nine matches in all competitions (D3, L6), and their home form has been particularly poor, with just one win in their last seven Premier League outings at the City Ground (D1, L5).

For a club that survived last season by the narrowest of margins, early struggles under a new manager are a major concern. A response is desperately needed, yet their next opponent is hardly ideal.

Chelsea entered the international break on a high after a statement 2-1 victory over defending champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. It was a performance full of energy and attacking intent, traits that have been inconsistent under Enzo Maresca’s reign. That win extended their record to (W3, D2, L2), a mixed bag that reflects both their potential and ongoing problems with squad depth and cohesion.

The Blues have endured a defensive crisis of their own, with Maresca finishing the Liverpool match without a single recognised centre-back on the pitch. Injuries to key defenders have forced several tactical adjustments, though their attacking play — spearheaded by the likes of Raheem Sterling and Estêvão — remains capable of troubling any defence.

Chelsea’s away form, however, is a lingering issue. They have won just three of their last 14 Premier League away matches (D4, L7), a record that underscores their inconsistency on the road. Encouragingly, all three of those wins have come in their last six away games (D1, L2), hinting at gradual improvement. Still, maintaining momentum after a big home win has been a recurring challenge for the West London outfit.

Head-to-Head History

Chelsea have historically dominated this fixture, particularly in recent times. The Blues have won three of their last four Premier League away meetings with Nottingham Forest, and another victory here would mark the first time they have ever claimed three successive league wins at the City Ground.

Postecoglou himself has endured a miserable record against Chelsea during his managerial career, losing all four of his previous Premier League encounters. That psychological edge may play into Chelsea’s favour once again as they look to exploit a vulnerable opponent low on confidence.

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Postecoglou’s Curse: Ange Postecoglou has lost all four of his Premier League managerial meetings with Chelsea.
• Late-Game Troubles: Nottingham Forest have conceded a league-high six goals after the 75th minute this season, reflecting their lack of concentration in the closing stages.
• Early Blues Wobbles: Chelsea have conceded four of their five away league goals this term before half-time, suggesting a slow-starting pattern on their travels.
• Set-Piece Prowess: Only Arsenal (53) have taken more corners than Chelsea (45) in the Premier League this season — a sign of their sustained attacking pressure.

Key Players to Watch

Nottingham Forest – Callum Hudson-Odoi

Facing his former club, the winger will be eager to make an impression.

Interestingly, six of his last eight club goals have arrived after half-time, making him a potential second-half threat.

Chelsea – Estêvão

The Brazilian teenager was the hero against Liverpool, scoring a late winner that could earn him more minutes.

Even if he starts on the bench, he remains a danger, with four of his last five club goals coming after the break.

Team News and Injuries

Forest’s injury list remains relatively short but significant, with Ola Aina still sidelined long-term. Postecoglou is expected to persist with his attacking approach despite recent criticism, possibly turning to Hudson-Odoi and Elanga on the flanks to spark creativity.

Chelsea’s defensive situation is more precarious. They ended the Liverpool match without a recognised centre-back on the pitch, highlighting the extent of their injury crisis. The absence of Cole Palmer, who has missed the last four games, continues to hamper their creativity and set-piece quality. Maresca may once again have to rely on tactical flexibility and squad depth to see his side through.

Betting Analysis and Prediction

Given Chelsea’s ongoing defensive issues and Postecoglou’s attacking philosophy, both teams to score (BTTS) looks a logical selection. Forest have found the net in each of their last four home matches despite losing three of them, while Chelsea’s defence remains far from watertight, especially with their backline decimated by injuries.

However, Chelsea’s superior quality, attacking rhythm, and Forest’s poor form suggest the visitors should still have enough to claim victory. The Blues have shown flashes of cohesion under Maresca, and if they can avoid a sluggish start, they should edge this contest.

Predicted Scoreline: Nottingham Forest 1–2 Chelsea

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Nottingham Forest v Chelsea | 2025/2026 | Premier League | Overview