Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea: Predictions, Betting odds, Lineups, Preview

Explore Ladbrokes' detailed preview for Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea in the Premier League. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 12:30 BST match.

• Fixture: Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea

• Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025

• Kick-off: 12:30 BST

• Venue: The City Ground

Match Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest have been struggling lately, with a string of losses and a single draw in their last five games. They'll need to tighten up at the back and hope their forwards can find some form if they're to stand a chance against Chelsea. The Blues, on the other hand, have been a bit up and down but have shown they can beat top teams like Liverpool. Expect Chelsea to control the midfield and create plenty of chances, but Forest might just nick a goal on the counter.

In this match, Chelsea's attacking flair could be the difference, but Forest's home advantage might make it a closer contest than expected. Look for Chelsea to dominate possession and press high up the pitch, while Forest will likely sit deep and look to hit on the break. It should be an entertaining game with both teams having moments, but Chelsea's quality should shine through in the end.

Nottingham Forest have had a rough patch recently, losing four out of their last five games. Their defence has been leaky, conceding ten goals in those matches. This could be a concern against a Chelsea side that can be potent in attack. However, Forest’s draw against Burnley shows they can be resilient, and they'll need that spirit to get anything from this game.

Recent Premier League Results:

• Loss: 0-2 vs Newcastle United (A)

• Loss: 0-1 vs Sunderland (H)

• Draw: 1-1 vs Burnley (A)

• Loss: 0-3 vs Arsenal (A)

• Loss: 0-3 vs West Ham United (H)

Chelsea have been inconsistent but have shown flashes of brilliance, beating Liverpool and Fulham in their recent outings. Their midfield has been a strong point, with players like Fernández and Caicedo controlling games. However, their defence has been shaky at times, which could give Forest hope. If Chelsea can keep their focus and intensity high, they should have enough to win this match.

Recent Premier League Results:

• Win: 2-1 vs Liverpool (H)
• Loss: 1-3 vs Brighton & Hove Albion (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Manchester United (A)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Brentford (A)
• Win: 2-0 vs Fulham (H)

In their recent encounters, Chelsea have had the upper hand, winning two out of the last five matches against Nottingham Forest. However, Forest have shown they can compete, securing a win and two draws in those games. The most recent match saw Chelsea edge out Forest 1-0, but with Forest's home advantage, this game could be closer than the head-to-head record suggests.

• Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea (25 May 2025)

• Chelsea 1-1 Nottingham Forest (06 Oct 2024)

• Nottingham Forest 2-3 Chelsea (11 May 2024)

• Chelsea 0-1 Nottingham Forest (02 Sep 2023)

• Chelsea 2-2 Nottingham Forest (13 May 2023)

• Ola Aina (Hamstring) - Out

• Oleksandr Zinchenko (Muscle) - Doubt

• Douglas Luiz (Hamstring) - Doubt

• Chris Wood (Knee) – Doubt

• Levi Colwill (Cruciate Ligament) - Out

• Liam Delap (Hamstring) - Out

• Dario Essugo (Surgery) - Doubt

• Cole Palmer (Groin) - Doubt

• Tosin Adarabioyo (Calf) - Doubt

• Wesley Fofana (Concussion) - Doubt

• Andrey Santos (Unknown) - Doubt

• Enzo Fernandez (Knee) – Doubt

• Predicted lineup: Sels, Cunha, Milenković, Morato, Savona, Yates, Anderson, Williams, Gibbs-White, Wood (If fit), Ndoye

With Milenković and Morato at the back, Nottingham Forest will look to be solid defensively. The inclusion of Gibbs-White and Wood (If fit) suggests they'll aim to hit Chelsea on the counter-attack.

• Predicted lineup: Sánchez, James, Acheampong, Badiashile, Cucurella, Gusto, Caicedo, Neto, Fernández (If fit), Garnacho, Pedro

Chelsea's predicted lineup shows a strong midfield with Fernández (If fit) and Caicedo, indicating they'll aim to dominate possession. The presence of Garnacho and Pedro in attack suggests they'll look to exploit any gaps in Forest's defence.

• Chris Wood (If fit) vs Benoît Badiashile: This will be a crucial battle between Nottingham Forest's robust striker and Chelsea's powerful centre-back.

• Elliot Anderson vs Enzo Fernández (If fit): The midfield duel between Forest's energetic Anderson and Chelsea's highly technical Fernández could dictate the flow of the game.

• Morgan Gibbs-White (Nottingham Forest): Gibbs-White’s impressive work rate and goal-scoring threat make him a key player for Forest's attack.

• Marc Cucurella (Chelsea): Cucurella's pace and energy could be vital for Chelsea going forward and backwards on their left flank.

Ladbrokes brings you the most exciting odds to enhance your experience.

For the best Premier League outright predictions, explore our guide.

Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.