Verdict: Chelsea win
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Dachbet
Marking their return from October’s international break this weekend, Chelsea will look to pile even more pressure onto Nottingham Forest when they travel to the City Ground on Saturday lunchtime.
Nottingham Forest
Starting with the hosts, while Nottingham Forest might have broken a string of long-standing records last season as they clinched an iconic European ticket, the Reds have come crashing back down to earth in an infamous fashion this time around. Although Ange Postecoglou might have only taken charge at the City Ground last month, the former Tottenham boss already has a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders. Last seen heading into October’s international break with a 2-0 defeat away at Newcastle, it has been suggested that the Australian tactician could be removed from his position if his downbeat squad suffer a fourth consecutive loss here. In fact, Forest have failed to win any of their last nine straight appearances across all competitions (six defeats, three draws).
Nottingham Forest Team News
Not making a single appearance since the end of August, Nottingham Forest will once again be without Nigerian international Ola Aina here. Likewise, enduring a public struggle after completing a summer loan switch from Juventus, ex-Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz remains a doubt.
Despite dealing with a host of individual injury issues this year, defensive talisman Murillo could make a first Premier League start since September 13th. Featuring for England over the past fortnight, Morgan Gibbs-White will be looking to notch a first top-flight strike of the season.
Chelsea
As for the visitors, while Enzo Maresca might have also come under some public scrutiny since opening up the 2025/26 campaign, Chelsea did enter October’s international break with a heavyweight scalp. Last seen snatching a sensational last-gasp 2-1 victory at home against defending champions Liverpool, the former Leicester boss has seen his squad win three of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Putting a maiden Champions League victory on the board last month as they signed off September with a 1-0 win against Portuguese heavyweights Benfica, the Blues will be smelling a golden opportunity here. Landing a 1-0 victory when they last travelled to the City Ground back on May 25th, Chelsea will be confident of skyrocketing their way back into the Champions League places on Saturday lunchtime.
Chelsea Team News
Forced to withdraw from International selection with Argentina this month, Chelsea are sweating over the fitness of skipper Enzo Fernandez here. All still dealing with respective injury issues, Maresca’s side will be unable to call upon the likes of Levi Colwil, Tosin Adarabioyo and summer recruit Liam Delap.
However, in what could prove to be a huge boost this weekend, England international Cole Palmer could feature at the City Ground. Bagging a last-gasp winner against Liverpool last time out and making a real impact while away with Brazil over the past fortnight, 18-year-old Estevao could be handed a second Premier League start of the season.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea Key Factors to Consider
- When Nottingham Forest and Chelsea last met at the City Ground on May 25th, the Blues signed off the 2024/25 campaign with a 1-0 victory.
- Chelsea have registered seven points from their previous three Premier League meetings against Forest.
- Forest have failed to win any of their last nine straight appearances across all competitions (six defeats, three draws).
- Chelsea have won three of their previous four appearances across all competitions.
- The Reds have lost their previous three matchups across all formats by an aggregate score of 6-2.
Conclusion
Heading into October’s international break with a sensational last-gasp 2-1 victory against defending champions Liverpool, Chelsea should be smelling a golden opportunity here. Landing a 1-0 win when they last travelled to the City Ground on May 25th, Maresca’s side will be seeking a repeat performance on Saturday lunchtime. With Nottingham Forest enduring a public nightmare and the pressure on Postecoglou’s shoulders now at a boiling point, Chelsea have also registered seven points from their last three Premier League meetings against Saturday’s hosts.
Verdict: Chelsea win
Best Odds: 20/21
Bookmaker: Dachbet
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