Overview
Coach Ange Postecoglou is facing a big challenge at Nottingham Forest as the pressure increases after a series of 7 matches without a win.
Welcoming Chelsea at City Ground this weekend could be a turning point for his future. According to many sources, Forest's leadership is considering the possibility of replacing the Australian coach with Sean Dyche if the situation does not improve soon.
However, the history of the confrontation is against Postecoglou. In his 2 years leading Tottenham, he lost all 4 times against Chelsea in the Premier League.
If he continues to fail, he will become one of the few coaches to lose all 5 of his first matches against The Blues, along with names such as Rafael Benitez, Mick McCarthy, Tony Pulis and Owen Coyle.
Not only that, Forest's home form is also alarming. They have lost five of their last seven games at the City Ground (W1 D1) - the same number of defeats in their previous 22 home games (W11 D6). If they continue to fail, this will be the first time since December 2023 that they have lost 3 consecutive home matches.
Forest may find some hope from Chelsea's inconsistent away form. Under coach Enzo Maresca, The Blues have won just three of their last 14 away games in the Premier League (D4 L7). Since the beginning of 2025 alone, only 27% of their scores have come from away trips (12/45).
However, Chelsea are still the team that brings goals in matches. They are leading the Premier League in goals scored in matches this season (22 goals - 13 goals, 9 goals conceded). Of which, 13 goals came from away matches (8 goals, 5 goals conceded). Only Burnley's away games (17 goals) have seen more goals than Chelsea.
One note is that Chelsea are taking huge profits in set pieces. 4 of their 8 away goals have come from corners - the same number as the total number of corners they have scored away from in the entire 2024-2025 season.
In midfield, Moises Caicedo continues to prove his importance when leading the Premier League in tackles (28) and interceptions (18). Meanwhile, Elliot Anderson - the pride of Nottingham Forest - is also in impressive form with 55 ball wins, the highest achievement of the tournament this season.
The Blues' defensive problems are improving ahead of their trip to the City Ground this weekend. Trevoh Chalobah will return from suspension, while the trio Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo and Benoit Badiashile are all ready to compete for a starting position.
However, Chelsea's squad situation is still not completely positive. Cole Palmer is likely to continue to be absent due to not fully recovering, while Enzo Fernandez has withdrawn from the training session with the Argentina team to rest and get treatment.
Head-to-head record
Nottingham Forest have won just one of their last eight Premier League meetings with Chelsea, drawing three and losing four. The only win came in September 2023, when they surprisingly beat the Blues 1-0 at Stamford Bridge.
On the other hand, Chelsea have an impressive record every time they visit Forest, with 3 wins in their last 4 matches in the Premier League (D 1), including 2 consecutive recent wins.
If they get 3 more points in the next match, The Blues will win 3 consecutive away matches for the first time in history against Nottingham Forest - a milestone they have never reached before.
Score prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-3 Chelsea
The match between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea takes place at 6:30 p.m. on October 18 (Vietnam time).
