Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest prediction: expert analysis, possible lineups, May 4, 2026
English Premier League
In the 35th round of the English Premier League, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest will play on May 4, 2026. Only a win is expected from the hosts.
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest: Team News and Expert Analysis
The London giants had a strong stretch under Maresca, climbing to fourth in the Premier League and winning both the Conference League and the Club World Cup. But Enzo resigned at New Year's. Rosenior seemed to replace the Italian well, although they suffered a clear defeat in the League Cup semi-final. However, serious problems began in the spring: the English side were knocked out of the Champions League, losing twice to PSG. In the Premier League, they mostly lost as well. After a 0-3 defeat to Brighton, the manager was sacked again – the team won in the cup against Leeds without Liam.
The Nottingham club improved last season, finishing seventh. They were in contention for a Champions League spot for a long time, but after failing to qualify at the start of the new season, Nuno Espírito Santo was dismissed. The manager was changed two more times, yet in the Europa League, the English side managed to reach the quarterfinals, where they beat Porto with some luck. This week, they also secured a 1-0 win over Aston Villa in the semifinals! Domestically, they slipped into a relegation battle, but fortunately, under Vítor Pereira in the spring, their form improved. They even thrashed Burnley and Sunderland.
The capital team scores an average of 1.56 goals per game, conceding 1.32. Gibbs-White and company average 1.21 goals scored and 1.32 conceded per game.
Previous Matches: Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest
Palmer and his teammates have won three of the last four encounters, with one draw.
The hosts are the favorites, but may be overrated. We suggest betting on the visitors with a "+1 goal" handicap (odds – 1.7).
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest: Key Statistics and Trends
- Chelsea have lost eight of their last twelve matches
- 59% of Chelsea's matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 2.88
- Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in nine consecutive matches
- 41% of Nottingham Forest's matches end with both teams scoring and the average total goals per match is 2.53
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest: Probable Starting Lineups
Chelsea play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Robert Sánchez – Cucurella, Hato, Fofana, Gusto – Caicedo, Andrey Santos – Pedro Neto, Palmer, Estevão – João Pedro. Mudryk is officially suspended, Colwill and Gittens are injured.
Nottingham Forest play in a 1-4-2-3-1 formation (probable lineup): Sels – Williams, Murillo, Milenković, Aina – Anderson, Sangaré – Hudson-Odoi, Gibbs-White, Hutchinson – Igor Jesus. John, Savon, Boly, and possibly Hudson-Odoi will be unavailable.
Place your bets on the upcoming match and follow your team's position in the English Premier League standings
