- The Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest prediction article, breaks down form, key players, odds and H2H meetings ahead of the clash.
- The game will take place on Monday May 4, 2026 at Stamford Bridge.
- Kick off set for 5pm EAT.
Chelsea host Nottingham Forest in an early Monday evening kick-off clash at Stamford Bridge for Premier League Round 35.
The Blues’ hopes of securing a Champions League spot next season continue to slip away, meaning they need a win on Monday to get back into the real conversation.
They head into this clash sitting ninth in the table with 48 points, ten behind fifth-placed Aston Villa on 58. To revive their European ambitions, Chelsea need a victory to climb to sixth on goal difference with 51 points.
At that mark, they will be hoping a sixth-place finish could earn them a Champions League spot but, only if Aston Villa currently fifth, secure direct qualification by winning the Europa League, where they are in the semifinals.
The Club World Cup champions head into this contest without a gaffer after sacking head coach Liam Rosenior. With Calum McFarlane at the wheel, they will be desperate to get the job done in their remaining fixtures.
At least they are riding high after an amazing 1-0 win over Leeds last weekend, which punched their ticket to the FA Cup final, thanks to Enzo Fernandez’s first-half header at Wembley ended Chelsea’s three-game goal drought.
However, in league action, the Blues have found it tough to crack opponents, going five straight matches without a win all defeats to; Newcastle, Everton, Man City, Man United, and Brighton.
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They could suffer six straight league losses to nil for the first time ever, a fate that would also extinguish any chance of finishing in the Premier League’s top five.
On the other side, Forest arrive brimming with confidence, having not lost any of their recent nine matches including their latest outing where they eked out a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa in the first leg of the Europa League semifinal.
Their relegation battle is still alive, despite sitting five points clear of the drop zone. Tottenham Hotspur are 18th with 34 points, while Forest have 39 in 16th place.
What time does Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest match kick off?
The two sides will lock horns on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Stamford Bridge, with kick-off set for 5 pm East Africa Time.
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest team news
For the hosts, defensive duo Reece James and Levi Colwill could both be back in the Blues’ squad for Monday’s Premier League fixture.
Filip Jorgensen (groin), Jamie Gittens (thigh), and Estevao Willian (thigh) remain out of contention, as does Mykhaylo Mudryk, who is currently fighting a four-year doping suspension.
For the visitors, Murillo, Jair Cunha, Dan Ndoye, and Ibrahim Sangare were all absent for Thursday’s Europa League semifinal first leg against Aston Villa.
Callum Hudson-Odoi has already been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest predicted lineups
- Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Adarabioyo, Chalobah, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Palmer, Fernandez, Neto; Pedro
- Nottingham Forest: Sels; Abbott, Milenkovic, Morato, Williams; McAtee, Anderson, Dominguez, Gibbs-White; Jesus, Lucca
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest head-to-head record and recent meetings
Chelsea are seeking their first home Premier League win against Nottingham Forest since the visitors returned to the top flight in 2022 (two draws, one defeat since then).
That said, the Blues have won their past two league encounters with Forest.
In the reverse fixture at the City Ground back in October, Chelsea cruised to a 3-0 victory with goals from Josh Acheampong, Pedro Neto, and Reece James. Forest’s head coach Ange Postecoglou was sacked 19 minutes after the final whistle.
Head-to-head (all competitions)
- Played: 101
- Chelsea: 43
- Drawn: 31
- Forest: 27
Last five meetings at Stamford Bridge
- 5 January 2019 FA Cup – Chelsea 2-0 Forest
- 5 January 2020 FA Cup – Chelsea 2-0 Forest
- 13 May 2023 Premier League – Chelsea 2-2 Forest
- 2 September 2023 Premier League – Forest 1-0 Chelsea
- 6 October 2024 Premier League – Chelsea 1-1 Forest
Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest prediction and betting tips
Nottingham Forest have won just one of their last nine league meetings with Chelsea (three draws, five defeats) that is a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge in September 2023.
Forest are unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches (three wins, three draws), their best run of the season.
Away from home, Forest have collected 21 points from 17 games this term. Their six road wins have come at Liverpool, Wolves, West Ham, Brentford, Tottenham, and Sunderland.
Chelsea at home could very well get the job done and are the favorites to win this encounter, as they are desperate to avoid a sixth straight defeat. It would be best to return to winning ways in the league on home turf.
Forest’s relegation safety is not yet secured, so they will be coming for the win too making this a tight, end-to-end affair.