Prediction: Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 12/25

Bookmaker: Unibet

Chelsea, revitalized under Enzo Maresca’s leadership, are aiming to secure their sixth consecutive victory across all competitions when they face Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge in Sunday’s Premier League clash.

The Blues have been in impressive form, having recorded successive 4-2 wins over Brighton & Hove Albion in the league and Gent in Europe over the past week. On the other hand, Forest will be looking to bounce back from a narrow 1-0 defeat to Fulham in their last Premier League outing.

Chelsea

Cole Palmer stole the show in Chelsea’s dominant Premier League victory over Brighton, becoming the first player to score four goals in one half of a game in the English top flight. The Blues continued their form in the Europa Conference League, with goals from Renato Veiga, Pedro Neto, Christopher Nkunku, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall leading them to a comprehensive 4-2 win over Gent. A sentimental moment arose when Gent’s goal was set up by Andri Gudjohnsen, son of Chelsea legend Eidur Gudjohnsen, but otherwise, it was all business for Maresca’s men.

Chelsea’s recent form, with five consecutive victories and 16 goals in their last four matches, has propelled them back into Champions League contention. They now boast the Premier League’s best attacking record with 15 goals in the opening weeks and an impressive shot conversion rate of 20.3%. Their streak, including wins over Bournemouth, West Ham, and Brighton, highlights their resurgence after a couple of underwhelming seasons, with only Liverpool and Arsenal outperforming them before gameweek seven.

As Chelsea welcome Nottingham Forest, they’ll look to maintain their scoring touch and continue their push toward the Premier League’s upper echelons.

Team News

Chelsea’s injury concerns remain minimal ahead of their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, with only Reece James and Omari Kellyman sidelined due to thigh injuries. Both players are on the road to recovery, but James’ return date remains unclear. Meanwhile, Carney Chukwuemeka missed the Europa Conference League fixture against Gent due to illness, but he was unlikely to feature anyway.

Jadon Sancho, one of several key players rested midweek, will likely return to the starting XI. The winger has been a creative force for Chelsea, providing assists in all three of his Premier League appearances this season. He now has the chance to match Cesc Fabregas’ record by assisting in his first four league games for the Blues.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest’s reputation as a tough side to break down has been reinforced in recent weeks, as Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have consistently edged out narrow wins and earned hard-fought draws. However, their unbeaten Premier League start came to an end against Fulham, with Raul Jimenez’s second-half penalty sealing a 1-0 defeat. While Forest couldn’t find their finishing touch in that encounter, their mid-table standing – sitting comfortably in 10th place – highlights their solid form.

Away from home, Forest have been formidable, securing 13 points from their last 15 available in away fixtures. Their unbeaten road run includes four consecutive wins before an action-packed 2-2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion. They will look to draw on their away form once again as they travel to Stamford Bridge, where they earned a surprise 1-0 win last season thanks to Anthony Elanga’s goal.

Chelsea, however, responded with a 3-2 victory at the City Ground, and Forest will be hoping to make history by claiming back-to-back away league wins at Stamford Bridge for the first time in over a century. While Forest may not match Chelsea’s firepower, their defensive discipline and counter-attacking threat make them a tricky opponent for the in-form Blues.

Team News

Forest will be bolstered by the return of Morgan Gibbs-White, whose absence through suspension against Fulham left a notable gap in creativity. The Three Lions international is expected to slot straight back into the lineup, with Nicolas Dominguez likely to drop out to accommodate Gibbs-White’s return to the fold.

Additionally, Taiwo Awoniyi’s underwhelming 45-minute stint against Fulham could see him replaced by either Anthony Elanga or former Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi, adding a fresh dynamic to Forest’s attack.

Despite the ongoing injuries to key midfielders Ibrahim Sangare (thigh) and Danilo (ankle), Nuno Espirito Santo has an otherwise fully-fit squad to choose from as his side prepares to face Chelsea.

Conclusion

Forest’s defensive solidity has been one of their key strengths this season, conceding only 18 shots on target in the Premier League—an impressive figure matched only by Manchester City. This resolute backline will likely pose a challenge for Chelsea, making it difficult for the Blues to break them down easily.

However, with Cole Palmer in scintillating form, Chelsea have found ways to unlock stubborn defenses in recent weeks. Despite Forest’s impressive defensive numbers, Chelsea’s momentum and attacking depth should see them extend their winning streak to six in all competitions, even if it requires patience to find the breakthrough.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 12/25

Bookmaker: Unibet