Date of Tips: 14/10/2025
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (13:48 14/10/2025) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Nottingham Forest FC
v Chelsea FC 
City Ground, Nottingham
Premier League Matchday 8 
18-10-2025 11:30
Nottingham Form
Chelsea Form
Date: 18/10/25
Kick-off time: 12:30
Venue: The City Ground
The Premier League returns with an early one at The City Ground, where Nottingham Forest host Chelsea in what already feels like a massive game for both sides. Forest are still searching for their first win under Ange Postecoglou, while Chelsea look like they’ve finally found some rhythm after that big win over Liverpool.
So, what can we expect this time? Let’s take a look.
Nottingham Forest head into this one under real pressure. Ange Postecoglou’s side haven’t won in seven games, and you can feel the frustration bubbling. The fans want results, the players look tense, and the boss? Well, he needs something to go right — fast.
Unfortunately, the injury list isn’t helping. Olaoluwa Aina, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Douglas Luiz are all out. That’s three regular starters missing in a team already struggling for balance. On the bright side, there are no suspensions to worry about, and Morgan Gibbs-White is back from a slight knock — which is huge for their creativity. Expect him to be the one pulling the strings in behind Taiwo Awoniyi.
Over in the Chelsea camp, things are looking a lot brighter. Enzo Maresca’s side head north full of confidence after that 2-1 win over Liverpool before the break. It wasn’t just the result — it was the performance. Chelsea looked sharp, organised, and dangerous on the break.
Still, Maresca has a few problems of his own. Reece James is doubtful again, Enzo Fernández hasn’t fully recovered, and Cole Palmer remains sidelined. That said, the Blues’ squad depth means they can handle it. Malo Gusto, Conor Gallagher, and Mykhailo Mudryk are all pushing to start — and each one adds something different.
Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1):
Turner; Montiel, Boly, Niakhaté, Tavares; Sangaré, Danilo; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Awoniyi.
Chelsea (4-3-3):
Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Gallagher, Chukwuemeka; Madueke, Jackson, Mudryk.
Both teams love to attack, but neither looks completely solid at the back right now. Forest have conceded at least two goals in five of their last seven matches, and Chelsea haven’t kept a clean sheet away from home all season.
So, what’s the play? Chelsea to win and over 2.5 goals looks smart. The Blues have momentum, and their pace out wide could really hurt Forest’s back line. If you’re fancying something a bit bolder, both teams to score is also worth a look — Forest tend to find a way to score at home even when they’re struggling.
Moises Caicedo could be the interesting shout for an anytime goal. The Ecuadorian midfielder has suddenly found his scoring boots, netting three times in his last six league appearances. He’s been getting forward more under Maresca, and you can see the confidence growing.
Betting angles worth a look:
Forest need this badly. Another loss and the pressure on Postecoglou might reach boiling point. But Chelsea just look too strong right now. They’re slicker in possession, more confident in front of goal, and seem to have that winning edge back.
That said, I don’t see a walkover. Forest will battle, the crowd will roar, and they might even grab one. But over the full 90, Chelsea’s quality should tell.
Match Prediction: Chelsea to win. Bet with bet365.
If you’re into correct scores, 2-1 Chelsea just feels right. Forest rarely go down without a fight, but their defensive lapses keep costing them. Chelsea have been good for at least a couple of goals per game recently, and with Jackson and Mudryk looking lively, you’d fancy them to find the net more than once.
Correct Score Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1–2 Chelsea. Bet with bet365.
The stats make this one pretty straightforward. Forest have shipped 14 goals in their last seven games, while Chelsea have scored nine in their last five. Neither team looks watertight, and both play on the front foot.
Over 2.5 goals feels like the sensible call, but if you’re after a bigger price, over 3.5 might tempt you. Chelsea’s last few matches have been open, and if Forest manage an early goal, it could really open up.
Over/Under Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
Here’s a combo I like for Saturday lunchtime:
That’s your classic attacking bet builder — plenty of action, end-to-end football, and value if Chelsea keep up their form.
Bet Builder Tip: Chelsea to Win, BTTS Yes, Moises Caicedo Anytime Scorer. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
Chelsea look the stronger, more confident side right now. Expect them to edge it with a 2–1 win.
Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1–2 Chelsea.
Moises Caicedo — he’s in great form, scoring freely and dominating the midfield.
Most likely, yes. Neither side has kept many clean sheets lately.
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