Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest: prediction, head-to-head stats and probable lineups — 04.05.2026
One of the matches of the 35th round of the English Premier League will take place on Monday at Stamford Bridge in London, where Chelsea will host Nottingham Forest. The hosts are fighting to stay in the European spots race after a tough stretch of games, while the visitors arrive in the capital unbeaten and with a real chance to finally secure their top-flight survival.
Match preview
Chelsea finally snapped their rough patch with a 1-0 win over Leeds, but this victory feels more like a brief respite than a full return to form. The only goal came after a mistake by Pascal Struijk, and Robert Sánchez had to work hard to ensure the Blues held onto their advantage.
Callum MacFarlane’s side still looks raw structurally, so once again, individual quality will be key. With Bynoe-Gittens and Estevão out and Reece James a doubt, the midfield partnerships become even more crucial: Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo must provide Chelsea with the control they sorely lacked during their crisis weeks.
Nottingham Forest are finishing the season in impressive fashion: Vítor Pereira’s side are unbeaten in nine straight matches and are simultaneously making a serious push for a Europa League final spot. In their last outing against Aston Villa, the Tricky Trees won 1-0 and proved they can not only endure but also match the tempo of a European-level opponent.
The main challenge for the visitors is fatigue after their European fixture midweek and limited rotation options. Hudson-Odoi is injured, there are doubts over N'Doye, Aina, Murillo, and Paula, and the available attacking substitutes don’t give Pereira much depth; however, Forest’s attacking output has soared — 12 goals in their last five matches is the mark of a side no longer afraid of open play.
Probable lineups
- Chelsea: Sánchez, Hato, Chalobah, Fofana, Gusto, Cucurella, Caicedo, Lavia, Neto, Fernández, Pedro.
- Nottingham Forest: Sels, Aina, Milenković, Paula, Williams, Hutchinson, Sangaré, Anderson, Gibbs-White, Jesus, Wood.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in nine consecutive matches across all competitions.
- Chelsea have won just one of their last four home games against Nottingham Forest.
- Six of the last nine head-to-head meetings between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest have seen fewer than three goals scored.
- Chelsea have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Since the start of April, Nottingham boast the Premier League’s best attack (10 goals). In this period, they’ve picked up seven points — only Liverpool and Man City have more (9 each).
- Nottingham have played both teams to score in four of their last six away matches.
- Nottingham Forest have won the corner handicap (+2.5) in seven of their last nine Premier League away games.
Prediction
Chelsea remain favourites on paper and by squad quality, but that’s not enough for a confident prediction of victory. The team is still too reliant on individual brilliance, and the Leeds match showed that even in a positive result, the Blues’ defence continues to give opponents chances. Nottingham Forest look more dangerous than their league position suggests: Pereira has improved their attacking transitions, they score regularly away from home, and their mindset is far stronger. The visitors’ fatigue could play a part, but against this current Chelsea, their discipline and form should be enough to take something from the game.
