PRE-MATCH ANALYSIS

Callum Hudson-Odoi’s brace against Sheffield United secured a crucial victory for Nottingham Forest, boosting their hopes of avoiding relegation. A draw against Chelsea in this fixture, coupled with losses for Luton and Burnley, could secure Forest’s Premier League survival.

Chelsea enters the game in high spirits, having displayed dominant performances in recent London derbies, scoring seven goals and keeping clean sheets in two consecutive matches. With a 7th-place position in the table, Chelsea has a chance to secure a spot in the Europa Conference League, provided Manchester United loses the FA Cup final and the Europa League qualification spot shifts to the 6th-placed team.

However, Chelsea’s away form has been concerning, with the team failing to win in their last five Premier League away matches and conceding in 14 of their recent away fixtures.

TEAM NEWS

Nottingham Forest has only one injury concern heading into the Chelsea clash, with Neco Williams undergoing treatment for a thigh injury but possibly returning for the crucial match against Burnley.

Chelsea, on the other hand, has several key players sidelined due to injuries. Defenders Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Reece James, and midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia are all unavailable for the trip to the City Ground.

EXPECTED LINEUPS

Nottingham Forest (5-4-1): Sels; Montiel, Boly, Murillo, Aina; Yates, Danilo; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Awoniyi

Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Petrovic; Gusto, Silva, Badiashile, Cucurella; Gallagher, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson

HEAD-TO-HEAD

Chelsea 0-1 Nottingham Forest | Premier League | September 2023

Chelsea 2-2 Nottingham Forest | Premier League | May 2023

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Chelsea | Premier League | January 2023

Chelsea 2-0 Nottingham Forest | FA Cup | January 2020

Chelsea 2-0 Nottingham Forest | FA Cup | January 2019

PREDICTION

Nottingham Forest poses a threat at home with the support of their fans, but Chelsea’s strong form makes them formidable opponents. Expect a tense and fiery encounter.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Chelsea