Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea: Match Preview, Latest Team News and Score Prediction

Forest vs Chelsea Preview: Team News, Kick-Off, TV and Odds

Premier League action returns following the international break as Chelsea FC travel to Nottingham Forest, eager to build on a morale-boosting victory over Liverpool. This Forest vs Chelsea clash at the City Ground is one of the weekend’s key Premier League fixtures.

Chelsea Look to Extend Momentum

Chelsea head into this weekend’s Premier League fixture on the back of a dramatic 2-1 win against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. Estevao’s stoppage-time goal secured three points for the Blues, ending a three-game winless run in the Premier League. The celebrations came at a cost, with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca receiving a second yellow card for leaving his technical area, resulting in a one-match suspension.

The victory over Liverpool should have strengthened Chelsea’s confidence. A win against Nottingham Forest could lift Chelsea into the Premier League top four, reinforcing their ambitions for the season. Chelsea’s squad depth and quality will be key at the City Ground.

Photo: IMAGO

Forest Struggle for Form

Nottingham Forest continue to face difficulties under Ange Postecoglou, who has yet to claim a Premier League victory in his first seven matches. The Forest squad will be desperate for points to climb clear of the relegation zone, even if only temporarily.

Forest team news remains uncertain, with Oleksandr Zinchenko doubtful after a groin injury kept him out of recent club and international fixtures. Douglas Luiz also faces a hamstring issue, while former Chelsea academy graduate Ola Aina continues his recovery from hamstring surgery last month. Nottingham Forest will need to overcome these injury concerns to compete with Chelsea FC.

Team News and Injuries

Chelsea FC face their own injury challenges following the international break. Enzo Fernandez and captain Reece James withdrew from Argentina and England squads respectively, although James’ withdrawal was precautionary due to his injury history. Moises Caicedo, Andrey Santos, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, Joao Pedro, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Josh Acheampong are all expected to be available, with Trevoh Chalobah returning from suspension.

Cole Palmer is set to miss this Premier League fixture, with reports suggesting he will be sidelined until November with a groin strain. Despite these setbacks, Chelsea’s squad depth should be enough to overcome Forest at the City Ground.

Photo: IMAGO

Match Details and Viewing Options

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea kicks off at 12.30pm BST on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the City Ground. UK viewers can watch live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage starting at 11am BST. TNT Sports subscribers can also stream the Premier League fixture online via the Discovery+ app and website. Highlights will be available on the Sky Sports app and YouTube shortly after the final whistle, with Match of the Day on BBC One at 10.30pm BST.

First games after an international break are notoriously tricky, particularly for teams like Nottingham Forest fighting for Premier League survival. Chelsea’s recent win over Liverpool should provide momentum and confidence. Forest’s urgency for points may unsettle them early, but Chelsea FC are expected to assert their superior quality and take control of the game.