Interim manager Calum McFarlane finds himself in a bizarre position as he leads Chelsea into this Monday afternoon clash. On one hand, he has successfully guided the Blues to an FA Cup final after a gritty win over Leeds United, showing that there is still plenty of life and energy in this squad.
On the other hand, the Premier League form has been nothing short of a nightmare, with the club suffering five consecutive defeats. The underlying numbers suggest Chelsea should be doing much better—they actually boast the highest expected goals total in the league for 2026—but a lack of clinical finishing has left them desperate to reignite their European hopes at Stamford Bridge.
Nottingham Forest arrive in West London as one of the most in-form teams in the country. Vitor Pereira has transformed Forest into a side that plays without fear, evidenced by a six-match unbeaten run and a recent 5-0 demolition of Sunderland.
While they still have a five-point cushion above the relegation zone, their eyes are looking up rather than down, especially after taking a lead in their Europa League semi-final first leg against Aston Villa.
With nine goals scored in their last game-and-a-half of league football, Forest represent a massive threat to a Chelsea defense that has looked vulnerable during this losing streak.
[metabet_core_game_tile query=”596205″ size=”100%x250″ site_id=”eplbets”]
What are the best picks for Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest?
Both teams to score
Chelsea are creating a mountain of chances every week, leading the league in xG since the turn of the year. It is only a matter of time before that statistical dominance translates into goals, especially with stars like Cole Palmer and Pedro in the lineup.
Conversely, Forest are in a golden patch of scoring form and have found the net at least three times in three of their last four matches. Expect both keepers to be busy.
Over 2.5 goals
This matchup has all the ingredients for a high-scoring affair. Chelsea have to attack to break their five-game losing slide, while Forest’s counter-attacking style has been lethal lately.
Given that Forest are unbeaten in their last three visits to Stamford Bridge and Chelsea are desperate for a result, neither side is likely to sit back. With defensive absences like Estevao and potentially Murillo, the attackers should have the upper hand.
Morgan Gibbs-White to score or assist
Gibbs-White remains the creative heartbeat of this Forest side. With Callum Hudson-Odoi ruled out for the season, even more of the playmaking responsibility falls on his shoulders.
He benefits immensely from the work of Elliot Anderson, who is currently winning possession more than any other player in the league.
If Forest find the back of the net, there is a very high probability that Gibbs-White will be the man providing the final pass or the finish.
[metabet_core_side_odds_tile query=”soccer_game_player_score_goal_or_assist/596205″ size=”100%x250″ site_id=”eplbets”]
Where can I watch Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest?
USA viewers can watch the match live on USA Network and the Peacock app at 10:00 a.m. ET.
UK viewers can watch the match live on Sky Sports Main Event, with coverage starting at 14:30 BST for the 15:00 kick-off. Subscribers can also stream the game via the Sky Go app.
What is Chelsea’s current form?
L-L-L-L-L
What is Nottingham Forest’s current form?
W-D-W-W-D-W
What is Chelsea’s predicted team?
Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro
Injured: Estevao, Gittens
Doubt: James, Colwill, Jorgensen
What is Nottingham Forest’s predicted team?
Sels; Abbott, Milenkovic, Morato, Williams; McAtee, Anderson, Dominguez, Gibbs-White; Jesus, Lucca
Injured: Hudson-Odoi
Doubt: Murillo, Jair Cunha, Ndoye, Sangare
READ NEXT: Everton vs Manchester City picks, predictions and how to watch
18+ UK/19+ Canada/21+ USA. Please play responsibly. This content is informational, not financial advice.
