Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea: Betting odds, Lineups, Predictions, Preview
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Explore our detailed preview for Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea in the Premier League. Stats, odds, predictions, and lineups for the 16:00 BST match.
Match Details
Fixture: Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
Date: Sunday 25 May 2025
Kick-off: 16:00 BST
Venue: The City Ground
Our predictions for Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
This match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams fighting for a crucial win to secure a spot in the UEFA Champions League. Forest will look to capitalise on their home advantage and the momentum from their recent victory, while Chelsea will aim to continue their strong run of form.
Expect a tactical battle with both teams likely to start cautiously, looking to exploit counter-attacking opportunities. The midfield will be a key area of focus, with both sides possessing players capable of turning the game in their favour.
The match is likely to be closely contested, with Chelsea's recent form and squad depth giving them a slight edge. However, Forest's determination and home support could make it a challenging game.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-2 Chelsea
Form Guide & Team Overview
Nott'm Forest
Nottingham Forest's recent form has threatened to de-rail their season, but a win at West Ham kept their hopes of UEFA Champions League qualification alive. Forest's attack has been led by Chris Wood, who has scored 20 league goals this season, while Morgan Gibbs-White and Anthony Elanga have been pivotal in midfield, contributing significantly.
Last 5 league matches:
- Win: 2-1 vs West Ham (A)
- Draw: 2-2 vs Leicester (H)
- Draw: 1-1 vs Crystal Palace (A)
- Loss: 0-2 vs Brentford (H)
- Win: 2-1 vs Tottenham (A)
Chelsea
Chelsea have been in good form, securing a 1-0 victory against Manchester United in their most recent league match. This win has boosted their chances of securing a top-five finish and a spot in the UEFA Champions League.
Cole Palmer has been a standout performer for Chelsea, scoring 15 goals this season, while Nicolas Jackson has also contributed significantly with 10 goals, although the forward is suspended for this clash. The team's midfield has been anchored by Moisés Caicedo, who has been instrumental in their recent matches.
Last 5 league matches:
- Win: 1-0 vs Man United (H)
- Loss: 0-2 vs Newcastle (A)
- Win: 3-1 vs Liverpool (H)
- Win: 1-0 vs Everton (H)
- Win: 2-1 vs Fulham (A)
Head-to-Head Record
The recent encounters between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea have been closely contested, with both teams showing their ability to compete at a high level and cause their opponent problems.
Notably, the home side hasn't won any of the last five Premier League meetings between these two sides.
Recent Results
- Chelsea 1-1 Nott'm Forest (06 Oct 2024)
- Nott'm Forest 2-3 Chelsea (11 May 2024)
- Chelsea 0-1 Nott'm Forest (02 Sep 2023)
- Chelsea 2-2 Nott'm Forest (13 May 2023)
- Nott'm Forest 1-1 Chelsea (01 Jan 2023)
Injury & Suspension Report
Nottingham Forest
- Taiwo Awoniyi (Abdominals) - Out
Chelsea
- Wesley Fofana (Hamstring) - Out
- Mykhailo Mudryk (Suspended) - Out
- Nicolas Jackson (Suspended) - Out
- Marc Guiu (Hamstring) - Doubt
- Christopher Nkunku (Knock) - Doubt
Predicted Lineups & Tactical Setup
Nottingham Forest (4-3-1-2)
Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Sangare, Dominguez; Gibbs-White; Elanga, Wood
Chelsea (4-2-3-1)
Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernández; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; George
Key Battles & Players to Watch
- Morgan Gibbs-White vs Enzo Fernández: The midfield battle between these two creative forces will be crucial. Gibbs-White's ability to dictate play and Fernández's control in the centre of the park could determine the flow of the game.
- Chris Wood vs Chelsea's Defence: Wood's performance will be vital for Forest. His physical presence and goalscoring ability will test Chelsea's backline, particularly Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo.
- Cole Palmer vs Forest's Defence: Palmer's form has been key for Chelsea, and his ability to find space and score will be a significant threat to Forest's defence, led by Murillo and Milenkovic.
Fun Fact & Trivia
A win for Forest would see them leapfrog Chelsea in the league, while a Chelsea win would condemn their hosts to the Conference League.
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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.
