Ange Postecoglou is under real pressure to get his first win as Nottingham Forest boss when his side welcome Chelsea to the City Ground at Saturday lunchtime in the Premier League. There have been some reports that the Australian is already under scrutiny in what is ultimately a results-based business.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are still on cloud nine having beaten the reigning champions Liverpool 2-1 at Stamford Bridge with a last-minute winner from Brazilian teenage sensation Estevao just before the international break. Nonetheless, the Blues have the European places in sight knowing that another win here would propel them into them, at least until every other team has played.
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Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea prediction: Blues to chop down Tricky Trees?
Key stats
- Forest are on a three-game losing streak in all competitions.
- Chelsea have won three of their last four matches in total across all competitions.
- Chelsea are unbeaten in the previous three H2Hs, winning twice.
Correct score prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Chelsea
Given Chelsea's superior form, we are backing them to take home all three points. The Blues have been leaky in away games though this season, and with their injuries in defence, Forest should be confident of at least getting on the scoresheet.
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Pre-game odds and win probability: Chelsea favourites with bookmakers
- HOME: 11/4 (3.75) – 26.7%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- AWAY: 10/11 (1.91) – 52.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Chelsea are the favourites with bookmakers to claim victory on their travels. Interestingly, a draw and a Forest win are separated by just 1.1%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page, as well as our Premier League predictions & betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Chelsea aiming to stretch unbeaten streak
As mentioned before, Chelsea are unbeaten in the last three meetings between the two sides, winning twice. The Blues have also won on their previous two visits to the City Ground, and so a familiar pattern could emerge here.
England Premier League 25/05/25
Nottm Forest
Chelsea
England Premier League 06/10/24
Chelsea
Nottm Forest
England Premier League 11/05/24
Nottm Forest
Chelsea
England Premier League 02/09/23
Chelsea
Nottm Forest
England Premier League 13/05/23
Chelsea
Nottm Forest
Nottingham Forest preview: Wood a doubt
Chris Wood is a doubt for Forest with injury, while Ola Aina is among a number of names also on the treatment table. Postecoglou could set his team up in a 3-4-3 system for this one.
Predicted lineup: Sels (GK); Milenkovic, Morato, Cunha; Ndoye, Anderson, Yates, Williams; Gibbs-White, Jesus & Hudson-Odoi
Last five results:
- Newcastle 2-0 Nottingham Forest
- Nottingham Forest 2-3 Midtjylland
- Nottingham Forest 0-1 Sunderland
- Real Betis 2-2 Nottingham Forest
- Burnley 1-1 Nottingham Forest
Chelsea preview: An attacking XI?
Given injuries at the back and doubts over the fitness of a number of midfielders, including Enzo Fernandez and Reece James, Chelsea could play a very attacking team. Cole Palmer is their major absentee with a groin problem.
Predicted lineup: Sanchez (GK); Gusto, Chalobah, Badiashile, Cucurella; Buonanotte, Caicedo; Neto, Estevao, Garnacho & Pedro
Last five results:
- Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool
- Chelsea 1-0 Benfica
- Chelsea 1-3 Brighton
- Lincoln 1-2 Chelsea
- Manchester United 2-1 Chelsea
Player to watch: Estevao
Not only did Estevao score the winning goal for Chelsea against Liverpool last time out, but he also netted twice for Brazil during the international break. The teenager is in-form, and so we would not be surprised to see him score again this weekend.