Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Premier League 2025-26

The Blues emerged victorious when these sides last faced each other.

Nottingham Forest are all set to lock horns with Chelsea for their matchweek 8 fixture of the 2025-26 English Premier League. This is going to be an interesting fixture, which will take place at the City Ground.

The Garibaldis are going to be under pressure despite it being a home fixture for them. They have only been able to win one match in their first seven league games of the season. Nottingham Forest are struggling at the moment and will be looking to make a comeback, but it is going to be a tough contest for them.

The Enzo Maresca-led side defeated Liverpool in their previous Premier League encounter. The Club World Cup winners started their season on an average note. This is going to be an away fixture for Chelsea, who will be keen on securing another win. The Blues will make sure to keep the Tricky Trees under pressure from the start.

Kick-off:

• Location: Nottinghamshire, England
• Stadium: The City Ground
• Date: Saturday, October 18
• Kick-off Time: 05:00 p.m. IST/ 11:30 a.m. GMT/ 07:30 a.m. ET/ 04:30 a.m. PT
• Referee: Chris Kavanagh
• VAR: In use

Forest next. pic.twitter.com/WkoeBPfllH

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 15, 2025

Form:

Nottingham: D-D-L-L-L

Chelsea: L-W-L-W-W

Players to Watch

Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)

The New Zealand forward is going to be one of the main men in the attacking front for the Garibaldis. Even though Chris Wood has only scored two goals in seven league games this season, he is surely going to trouble the opponent’s defence. He is a capable player and will be looking to get back to his form.

Joao Pedro (Chelsea)

Joao Pedro has been an essential part of the Blues in the final third. From scoring goals to creating plays for his fellow teammates, the 24-year-old has helped Chelsea on multiple occasions. He will be yet again ready to lead his side in the attack and will be keen on finding the net.

Match Facts

• Chelsea haven’t lost to the Garibaldis in their last three interactions.
• Nottingham Forest have only won one of their last five games against the Blues.
• The Tricky Trees have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 10 attempts.

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea: Betting Tips and Odds

• Chelsea to win @19/20 William Hill
• Joao Pedro to score @11/2 Unibet
• Goals under 3.5 @5/11 Unibet

Injury and Team News

Nottingham Forest will miss out on the services of Ola Aina as he is injured. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Douglas Luiz might also miss out due to a lack of fitness.

Cole Palmer, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo, Andrey Santos and Levi Colwill are going to be out of action for Chelsea as they are injured. Enzo Fernandez, Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile might also miss out due to their fitness issues. Manager Enzo Maresca is suspended.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 99

Nottingham won: 27

Chelsea won: 41

Draws: 31

Predicted Lineups

Nottingham Forest predicted lineup (3-4-3)

Sels (GK); Cunha, Milenkovic, Morato; Savona, Yates, Anderson, Williams; Gibbs-White, Wood, Ndoye

Chelsea predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Sánchez (GK); Gusto, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Neto, Estevao, Garnacho; Pedro

Match Prediction

This is going to be an intense battle with both sides looking to bag a win. Chelsea are likely to come out on top and defeat Nottingham Forest in their upcoming Premier League clash.

Prediction: Nottingham 1-2 Chelsea

Telecast Details

India: JioHotstar, Star Sports Network

UK: TNT Sports and Sky Sports

USA: NBC Sports

Nigeria: SuperSport

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