Chelsea v Forest – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Chelsea host Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on Saturday in the English Premier League. Mauricio Pochettino’s team have spent big in the transfer market and are chasing successive league wins for the first time since March. Forest are looking for just their second away win since returning to the top flight.

Chelsea Form

Chelsea’s three league matches have brought four points. The opening day saw a 1-1 home draw with Liverpool in which they dominated possession (65%) and had four ‘big chances’ spurned. A 3-1 defeat at West Ham followed despite their opponents playing 23+ minutes with ten men. A 3-0 home win over Luton followed to get the new era underway.

In midweek, Chelsea toiled to beat AFC Wimbledon 2-1 at home in the Carabao Cup as they came from 1-0 down. In the league, it’s just two wins in 15 matches. The last 21 fixtures at Stamford Bridge have yielded just seven victories.

Chelsea Team News

Chelsea remain without several options due to injury. Benoit Badiashile, Reece James, and long-term victim, Wesley Fofana are all out. Attackers Christopher Nkunku and Armanjo Broja are absent so Nicolas Jackson leads the line alongside Raheem Sterling.

Midfielders Carney Chukwuemeka (injured) and Romeo Lavia (match fitness) are unavailable. Mykhailo Mudryk could return after a knock to boost the bench options. Cole Palmer’s move from Man City could be completed in time for him to feature but it’s more likely he will have to wait.

Chelsea Motivation

The Blues will see a draw as a very poor result. They will attack and push hard for the win in this one to get some momentum going.

If the scores are level with 30 minutes to go, expect to see Pochettino bring on extra attackers to try to get the victory.

Forest Form

Forest have one win and two defeats in the league so far this season. They lost 2-1 at Arsenal in round one before beating Sheffield United 2-1 at home. Chris Wood got an 89th-minute winner as they outshot their opponents 16-7. Last weekend, they went to Old Trafford and led 2-0 after four minutes but were beaten 3-2 by the end with ten men.

In midweek, Steve Cooper’s team lost 1-0 at home to Burnley in the Carabao Cup. They conceded in the 90th minute. Aside from their front three, it was a strong lineup for the fixture. Forest’s last nine matches in the league have seen four wins, two draws and two defeats. Away from home, they have one win in 21 fixtures since being promoted.

Forest Team News

Wingback Ola Aina was back on the bench in midweek and may be in contention to start versus his former club. Neco Williams would drop to the bench. Former Atletico Madrid central defender Felipe is also back from injury whilst Gonzalo Montiel should start at right wingback.

On-loan Chelsea man Andrey Santos is ineligible to face his parent club. Morgan Gibbs-White, Taiwo Awoniyu, and Brennan Johnson will all return, assuming the latter is not sold before the transfer deadline. Orel Mangala is injured in midfield whilst Joe Worrall is suspended and Scott McKenna has a thigh injury. Danilo is also expected to miss out.

Forest Motivation

A draw would feel like a win. They went to Chelsea and drew 2-2 last season, which will increase belief ahead of this fixture.

Forest took the game to Man Utd at times last week and will do the same at Stamford Bridge.

Key Stats

Chelsea have lost 10 of their last 15 matches in all competitions

Chelsea have won just twice in 12 home Premier League matches (D6, L4)

Chelsea have scored 2+ goals in 6 of their last 7 matches vs Forest

Nottingham Forest scored a league-low 11 EPL away goals last season

Forest took just eight points at home in 19 league matches last season (1 win)

Verdict

The Blues should get the three points in this match, though it won’t be an easy match. Extracting value isn’t easy so you may want to back Chelsea on the handicap. Jackson and Sterling are both tips in the goalscorer market.

Best Bet: Chelsea win (-1 handicap) at 2.05
Value Bet: Chelsea to win 1-0, 2-0 or 3-0 at 2.90
Goalscorer Tip: Nicolas Jackson anytime goalscorer at 1.95 or Raheem Sterling at 2.05

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis