Nottingham Forest v Chelsea – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

These clubs are separated by one point in the race for a top five finish. The Blues have won on just one occasion in their last ten away league matches whilst Forest are winless in three at home.

Match: Nottingham Forest v Chelsea
When: Sunday, 25 May 2025

Nottingham Forest Form

Forest sit seventh in the league table and need to win this match to have any hopes of a top-five finish. They enjoyed a superb run of seven wins in eight matches before a 5-0 loss at Bournemouth and a shock 7-0 home win over Brighton.
Their last 13 league matches have only yielded five victories. A 2-1 loss at Aston Villa was followed by a 1-0 home loss to Everton. Further losses followed, 2-0 vs Man City in the FA Cup and 2-0 at home to Brentford. After two league draws, they won their last match 2-1 at West Ham.

Nottingham Forest Team News

Nuno Espirito Santo has a doubt over young defender Eric da Silva Moreira but Murillo should shake off an ankle complaint to start. Taiwo Awoniyi is out after serious abdominal surgery.

Callum Hudson-Odoi will hope for a recall against his former club. Nicolas Dominguez is the player most likely to make way if the formation is changed to a 4-2-3-1 shape.

Nottingham Forest Motivation

This is one of Forest’s biggest matches in years. A win gives them hope of a top five finish.

Nuno’s team will play their usual medium block with fast counters. They will play with intensity with a vocal crowd behind them.

Chelsea Form

Enzo Maresca’s side have lost just three of their last 17 matches in all competitions. They have won eight of their last nine home EPL matches but their away form is dire with one win in 10 matches. A poor 2-2 home draw with Ipswich preceded a shock 2-1 home loss to Legia Warszawa.

The Blues responded with a late 2-1 win at Fulham and a 1-0 home win over Everton. They beat Djurgarden 4-1 away in the Conference League semis before beating a distracted Liverpool 3-1 at home. Following a 1-0 home win over Djurgarden, they lost 2-0 at Newcastle. Last Friday, Chelsea eked out a 1-0 home win over Man Utd.

Chelsea Team News

Enzo Maresca remains without Wesley Fofana in defence and the suspended Nicolas Jackson up front. Jadon Sancho is available again after being ineligible against Man Utd.

Pedro Neto may play up front in this one with Christopher Nkunku nursing an injury. Reece James is expected to start at right back but another option is using Moises Caicedo in that role with Romeo Lavia in midfield.

Chelsea Motivation

The Blues are desperate to finish in the top five. They need a win to guarantee a place in the Champions League.

An open approach is not expected. Maresca could set up pragmatically and do what it takes to secure the three points.

Key Stats

Nottingham Forest have lost just 2 of their last 12 home league matches (7 wins, 3 draws)

Nottingham Forest have won just 2 of their last 8 matches (4 losses)

Nottingham Forest’s Chris Wood has scored 20 goals this season

Chelsea have won just 1 of their last 10 away EPL matches

Chelsea have just 1 win in their last 5 matches vs Nottm Forest (3 draws, 1 loss)

Verdict

This match could go any of the three ways. Chelsea are so poor on their travels though and will miss Jackson up front. Forest are tipped to get at least a draw.

Best Bet: Nottingham Forest win/draw double chance at 1.61
Alternate Bet: Nottingham Forest win at 2.96
Goalscorer Tip: Chris Wood to score anytime at 2.20