Can Chelsea Get Three Points Against Forest?
Chelsea will head to the City Ground on Saturday, October 18th, 2025, looking to secure three crucial points against Nottingham Forest and climb the Premier League table. After a mixed start to the 2025–26 campaign, the Blues sit mid-table with two wins, one draw, and two losses, and are eager to turn the momentum in their favor. Following their hard-fought 2–1 win over Liverpool, Chelsea appear to be gaining rhythm under manager Enzo Maresca. However, that victory came at a cost; Maresca was handed a touchline ban and fine for misconduct during the match and will be absent from the dugout on Saturday.
Injuries continue to be a setback for the Blues. Cole Palmer remains sidelined with a groin injury that could keep him out for several more weeks, while Enzo Fernández is still being monitored after returning early from international duty with Argentina due to a knee issue. Despite the absences, Chelsea has shown improved chemistry in attack. In their absence, the team will continue to rely on creative sparks from João Pedro, who has recorded two goals and three assists, and Pedro Neto, who has added pace and width on the wing. A win on Saturday could push Chelsea back into the top half and build much-needed momentum before their next London derby.
Nottingham Forest remain winless through seven matches, sitting near the bottom of the table under new boss Ange Postecoglou. Their struggles have been reflected in both ends of the pitch. Goalkeeper Matz Sels has faced a league-high workload, registering 25 saves but conceding 12 goals, while Forest’s attack has scored just five times in seven games.
Veteran forward Chris Wood leads the scoring with two goals, yet his status is uncertain due to a lingering knee issue. In his absence, Callum Hudson-Odoi, a former Chelsea player, has been one of the few bright spots, contributing one goal in seven appearances. Morgan Gibbs-White and Dan Ndoye have combined for two assists, but Forest’s midfield remains overworked, with Elliot Anderson committing a team-high eight fouls as the side struggles to retain control. Defensively, Nikola Milenković and Morato have provided size and strength, but lapses in marking and slow transitions have repeatedly hurt Forest late in matches. Postecoglou is already under scrutiny, with growing speculation about his future if results do not turn quickly.
Chelsea’s focus will be on maintaining midfield dominance while exploiting Forest’s wide areas with Neto’s dribbling and João Pedro’s movement. Forest is expected to sit deep and counter through Hudson-Odoi, but without Wood’s aerial presence, their threat could be limited. Chelsea are expected to win comfortably, with a predicted scoreline of 2–0 against Nottingham Forest. With greater depth, sharper form, and confidence growing under Maresca, Chelsea is a favorite to earn their third win of the season and extend Forest’s winless streak. Even without their manager on the sidelines, the Blues’ structure and attacking balance should be enough to secure all three points against Nottingham.
