Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea preview & prediction: Will tricky trees emerge from the woods against buoyant Blues?

Published on by Godfred Budu

With just two games until the end of the 2023/24 Premier League season, Nottingham Forest would feel they are entering the last chance saloon, where as many points as possible should be collected if they are to survive relegation.

There are only six more on offer, starting with the final home game of the campaign at the City Ground on Saturday when high-flying Chelsea visit.

We provide a Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea preview, and a prediction of what result may be produced.

Quick stats

Nottingham Forest have not won many league games since the start of the year, but when they have been victorious — only three times in 16 attempts — they have done so pretty comfortably, by two-goal margins on each occasion.

Forest's home record is far from great, averaging just 20 points from 18 games. Only three teams — the bottom three, that is — have done worse.

It may have been a torrid season for Chelsea, but Mauricio Pochettino’s team are now fairly healthy. Six wins in a dozen Premier League games does not a purple patch make, but given the only loss during that streak was to leaders Arsenal — albeit by a humbling 5-0 score — their fans would not have too much to complain about.

Chelsea have not fared too well on the road in that 12-game spell, with their last win coming at Crystal Palace all the way back in February.

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea match preview

They may be out of the relegation zone at this advanced stage of the season, but Forest know there is still enough time and opportunity for the chasing pack — Luton Town and Burnley — to catch up and overtake them.

The Garibaldi are just three points clear, after all, and manager Nuno Espirito Santo surely appreciates just what is required to ensure they keep their heads above water in the end.

Against a relatively high-flying Chelsea team that is as confident as it has ever been this term, the margins could not be narrower.

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea
Photo by Icon Sport

Winning may eventually guarantee all the insulation Nottingham Forest need, while anything less could make their final game — Burnley, of all teams, the opponents — a more tense affair than it really should be.

For Chelsea, the pressure to win is not nearly as great, with the team's recent form powering an ascent which guarantees them a top-half finish.

The Londoners now have their sights set on more lofty targets, even if it likely would be nothing more glamorous than the prospect of a UEFA Conference League debut campaign.

That ticket is currently in the hands of Newcastle United, just above in sixth, but with the Magpies themselves aiming higher, Chelsea would sense their chance to pounce and improve their lot.

Considering fellow struggling giants Manchester United are also desirous of such scant consolation, Chelsea can take absolutely nothing for granted, even against troubled opponents.

Taiwo Awoniyi made his latest injury return for Forest late in their 3-1 defeat of Sheffield United a week ago, nearly two months after he last played for the club.

And while his comeback could not have been more timely — Forest certainly need all the firepower they could get at the moment — it is unlikely Awoniyi will instantly usurp Chris Wood for the leading role upfront.

Or maybe he just might, you know, if Nuno considers the fact that the Nigerian has two goals and an assist in the teams’ last two meetings.

More certain to start for Nottingham Forest is Ola Aina, the former Chelsea full-back/wing-back who has been a mainstay in the set-up for much of a difficult season.

The Super Eagles versatile player has been one of Nottingham Forest's more consistent performers, and Aina would once more have to be at his best for a successful day out against those zippy, nifty Chelsea forwards who can be quite devastating on their day (see their performance against West Ham United last Sunday, instance).

Nothing less, with the stakes so high for Forest and the opposition daunting, would suffice.

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea H2H

Last 10 Games

September 2023: Chelsea 0-1 Forest

May 2023: Chelsea 2-2 Forest

January 2023: Forest 1-1 Chelsea

January 2020: Chelsea 2-0 Forest

January 2019: Chelsea 2-0 Forest

September 2017: Chelsea 5-1 Forest

February 1999: Forest 1-3 Chelsea

September 1998: Chelsea 2-1 Forest

January 1997: Forest 2-0 Chelsea

September 1996: Chelsea 1-1 Forest

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea prediction

Both the form guide and head-to-head figures may appear to favour Chelsea, but the latter have had no success against their next hosts since the pair resumed top-flight engagement last season.

Forest have avoided defeat in all three recent meetings, and would be silently confident of keeping things that way. They just might, courtesy of a scoring draw.

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea confirmed XI

Nottingham Forest

  • Goalkeeper: Matz Sels.
  • Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Willy Boly, Murillo, Moussa Niakhate, Ola Aina.
  • Midfielders: Morgan Gibbs-White, Ryan Yates, Danilo, Callum Hudson-Odoi.
  • Forwards: Chris Wood.

Chelsea

  • Goalkeeper: Djordje Petrovic.
  • Defenders: Marc Cucurella, Benoit Badiashile, Thiago Silva, Trevor Chalobah.
  • Midfielders: Connor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, Mykhaylo Mudryk, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke.
  • Forwards: Nicolas Jackson.
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Godfred Budu

Godfred Budu, a Ghanaian sports journalist, brings a dynamic perspective to the field with over a decade of experience. Having contributed to esteemed platforms such as Kickgh.com and Inkandkicks.com. Godfred is recognised for his insightful commentary and in-depth analysis of African football.
His passion for storytelling and commitment to accuracy have established him as a trusted authority in sports journalism in Ghana, captivating audiences with his engaging narratives and unparalleled expertise.
Godfred holds a degree in Integrated Development Studies (Social and Development Administration option) from the University for Development Studies, Ghana.