Nottingham Forest

vs

Chelsea

Predictions & Betting Tips

Champions League spots at stake in tight contest

Nottingham’s Forest’s pragmatic approach under Nuno Espirito Santo has earned them a reputation for being tough to break down when ahead and equally difficult to catch when behind. The Portuguese tactician, who took over at the City Ground in December 2023, has guided Forest to 7th place in the table. The Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea preview shows Forest’s recent form has been indifferent with just one win, two draws and two defeats from their past five fixtures, but Nuno’s men have proven themselves to be tough opponents for any team on their day. Chris Wood has been Forest’s main man up front with 20 goals in 35 Premier League appearances this season, but Anthony Elanga has been their most reliable attacking outlet of late, providing three assists and being directly involved in seven goals in Forest’s last five fixtures.

Forest won’t make it easy for Chelsea

Enzo Maresca’s impact at Chelsea has been less tangible since he took the helm at Stamford Bridge in July 2024. The Blues have been more fluid going forward with Cole Palmer at the hub of their attacks, but a lack of clinical finishing has dogged their season. This Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea prediction is significant, considering Palmer is Chelsea’s top scorer with 15 goals in 36 league appearances and is the creative engine for the Blues, but Maresca’s men will have to improve their finishing if they are to get the better of Forest on Sunday.

Chelsea’s away form not great

Chelsea’s Premier League away form has been patchy with seven wins, four draws and seven losses, an average of 1.56 goals per game scored and 1.39 goals per match conceded. Our Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea prediction takes into account that the odds have the visitors as slight favorites here at +126, but Forest are worth a bet at +210 with the draw at +270. Forest have only taken one point from their previous three home league matches, but Nuno’s team are gritty and could pull off an upset in this contest. For those looking for guidance, the best Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea betting tips suggest caution, as the head-to-head record doesn’t favour Forest much with one win, one defeat and three draws in the last five meetings, but the most recent fixture ended 1-1 at Stamford Bridge. A similarly tight contest is expected here with the pressure of an imminent Conference League final for Chelsea and limited prep time likely to impact performance. Under 2.5 goals could be a solid bet here given Forest’s doggedness and Chelsea’s wastefulness in front of goal.