The pressure is mounting on Ange Postecoglou this weekend. His winless Nottingham Forest side host Chelsea at the City Ground for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
Currently, Forest are enduring a dismal run of form and sit just one point above the relegation zone. Chelsea, in contrast, arrive full of confidence. They secured a dramatic last-gasp victory over league leaders Liverpool just before the international break.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 18 October 2025
- Kick-off: 12:30 pm BST
- Venue: The City Ground, Nottingham
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh
- VAR: Peter Bankes
- Last Meeting: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea, 25 May 2025
Team News
Nottingham Forest
Ange Postecoglou faces several fitness concerns ahead of this match. Both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Douglas Luiz face late fitness tests. Additionally, former Chelsea defender Ola Aina is definitely out. However, there is some good news, as the team expect key defender Murillo to be fit enough to return to the starting lineup.
Chelsea
The visitors are dealing with a severe injury and suspension crisis. Firstly, manager Enzo Maresca has a touchline ban. Furthermore, key creator Cole Palmer and defender Benoît Badiashile are both out until December. Adding to their woes, a trio of midfielders, including Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo, are major doubts. There is some positive news, however. Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo are fit again, and Trevoh Chalobah returns from suspension.
Form
Nottingham Forest: DLLLD
The Tricky Trees are in a disastrous run of form, having picked up just one point from their last six matches. They remain winless in seven games under new manager Ange Postecoglou. Worryingly, they could also fail to score in three consecutive top-flight games for the first time since 1999.
Chelsea: WDWLW
The Blues have shown inconsistency this season. However, they ended a run of two league defeats with a sensational 95th-minute winner against Liverpool in their last outing. Despite this boost, their away form remains a major concern. In fact, they have won just three of their last 14 Premier League games on the road.
Predicted Lineups
Nottingham Forest predicted XI: Sels; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Sangare; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus
Chelsea predicted XI: Jorgensen; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Lavia, Santos; Estevao, Buonanotte, Gittens; Joao Pedro
How to Watch Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
Fans in the UK can watch the match live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage begins at 12:00 pm BST.
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