Chelsea will look to extend their winning streak as they host Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge this Sunday. With the international break looming after Gameweek 7 of the 2024/25 Premier League season, clubs are eager to finish strong before the pause. Sunday’s action kicks off with two exciting matchups: Aston Villa taking on Manchester United at Villa Park, while Chelsea face Nottingham Forest at home.
The Blues had a rocky start to the season, suffering a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City in their opener. Early doubts began to surface around manager Enzo Maresca, especially after his controversial decision to drop several high-profile players from the first-team squad. However, Maresca has since silenced critics with an impressive turnaround. Chelsea have been dominant ever since, securing five consecutive wins and climbing into the top four of the Premier League standings.
This clash against Nottingham Forest offers another opportunity for Chelsea to build momentum ahead of the international break.
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest Team News & Tactics
Chelsea
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Nottingham Forest
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Moreno; Ward-Prowse, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood
Key Stats Ahead of Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest
- Head-to-Head Record: Since Nottingham Forest’s return to the Premier League in 2022, Chelsea have won just one of their four encounters (D2, L1). A victory for Forest on Sunday would mark the first time they’ve secured consecutive away wins at Stamford Bridge since 1907 and 1908.
- Chelsea’s Recent Form: Chelsea have been on a strong run, winning nine of their last 11 Premier League matches (D1, L1). They are currently the league’s highest scorers with 15 goals ahead of Gameweek 7.
- High-Scoring Matches: Chelsea’s six Premier League fixtures this season have seen a total of 22 goals, the most of any team in the league. In contrast, Nottingham Forest’s games have seen the fewest, with only 11 goals combined.
- Nottingham Forest’s Away Record: Forest have picked up 13 points from their last five Premier League away games—equalling the total they managed in their previous 27 away matches. Avoiding defeat at Stamford Bridge would see Forest go unbeaten in six consecutive away league games for the first time since 1995.
- Cole Palmer’s Impact: Since the start of last season, Cole Palmer has been involved in 43 Premier League goals, netting 28 times and assisting 15. He’s been a standout performer for Chelsea, averaging either a goal or an assist every 73 minutes—the best rate in the club’s history.
Player to Watch
Nicolas Jackson
Prediction
Chelsea 2-1 Nottingham Forest
How to Watch Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest
Watch online via NaijaSport247 TV
