The Matchday 8 clash in the Premier League between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea will take place on October 18 at the City Ground. Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Nottingham Forest
The managerial change in early September has only worsened Nottingham's situation. In their last five Premier League matches, the team has secured just 1 point and scored only 1 goal. In the previous two rounds, the club lost at home to Sunderland (0-1) and away to Newcastle (0-2). Consequently, Nottingham Forest has dropped to 17th place and is now just 1 point above the relegation zone. It's also worth noting that the team has scored only 5 goals, which is the worst offensive record in the current Premier League season (tied with Wolverhampton).
- Nottingham's winless streak in the league stands at 6 matches – 2 draws and 4 losses.
- In 5 of the last 6 Premier League games, exactly two or three goals were scored.
- In their last 7 home matches in the Premier League, the team has secured just 1 win (1 draw and 5 losses).
Predicted lineup for Nottingham Forest (3-4-3)
Matz Sels – Jair Cunha, Morato, Nikola Milenkovic – Neco Williams, Elliot Anderson, Ryan Yates, Nicolo Savona – Morgan Gibbs-White, Dan Ndoye, Chris Wood.
Chelsea
Enzo Maresca's side ended their 3-match winless streak in the league (1 draw and 2 losses) in the last round. The team hosted the tournament leader Liverpool and managed to defeat them 2-1. Interestingly, the decisive goal came in the 95th minute, and before this, it was Liverpool who earned points in the Premier League thanks to late goals. The Londoners slightly improved their position in the standings, climbing to 7th place.
- The club has not lost in 13 of their last 16 Premier League matches (9 wins and 4 draws).
- Both teams scored in Chelsea's last 4 league matches.
- In their last 14 away Premier League games, the Londoners have secured only 3 wins (4 draws and 7 losses).
Predicted lineup for Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Robert Sanchez – Reece James, Benoit Badiashile, Josh Achimpong, Marc Cucurella – Malo Gusto, Moises Caicedo – Alejandro Garnacho, Enzo Fernandez, Pedro Neto – Joao Pedro Jesus.
The team has defenders Levi Colwill and Dario Essugo, as well as forward Liam Delap, in the infirmary. Midfielder Cole Palmer and defender Benoit Badiashile are out until December due to injuries. Additionally, head coach Enzo Maresca is suspended for the upcoming match.
Referee
Chris Kavanagh (England)
Matches – 31 (Premier League, 2024/25–2025/26);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 132;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 5;
Average fouls per match – 21;
Penalties – 16%.
Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea: Match Prediction
Since Ange Postecoglou took charge of Nottingham, the team has played 7 matches in the Premier League, Europa League, and English League Cup, suffering 5 losses and drawing twice. The club's owner, Evangelos Marinakis, likely regrets dismissing Nuno Espirito Santo. Nottingham Forest has completely lost their form and has become toothless in attack, with only 1 goal in their last five Premier League matches, and that was against modest Burnley.
I believe that after the league resumes, Nottingham is unlikely to see any improvement. The team will likely lose again, as Chelsea, buoyed by their victory over the reigning English champions, is coming to town. Moreover, in the past two seasons, the Londoners have won at the City Ground (1-0 and 3-2), and Nottingham Forest was much more competitive back then than they are now.
My prediction – Chelsea to Win
