Odds provided by Sports Interaction.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea Odds
Chelsea is a slim +120 road favorite for Sunday’s encounter, while Forest returns as a +200 underdog at soccer betting sites. The total is set at 2.5 goals.
The reverse fixture in October ended 1-1 at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea won this same match in 2023-24 by a score of 3-2.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea Analysis
I don’t think anybody predicted that Nottingham Forest would be in the mix for a spot in the Champions League, but here we are. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have enjoyed a solid campaign, compiling a 19-8-10 record. One way or another, they will likely be playing in some type of European competition next season. Forest has bagged 58 goals in 37 games while conceding 45. Last weekend, the hosts grabbed an important three points, beating West Ham 2-1 in London.
Morgan Gibbs-White, who has been one of Santo’s best players this term, got the scoring started with a goal in the 11th minute. Nikola Milenkovic then doubled Forest’s lead in the 61st minute. Jarrod Bowen got one back for the Hammers, but it was too little, too late. The Tricky Trees are winless in their last four games on home soil, losing to Brentford, Everton, and Manchester City in the FA Cup during that span. Their last game at the City Grounds was on May 11 and ended in a 2-2 draw with a very average Leicester City side.
Chelsea may be in the Europa Conference League final next week, but they’re undoubtedly focused on making the Champions League for next season. The Blues have enjoyed a respectable campaign as they look to become one of the superior clubs in England again. Enzo Maresca’s squad has gone 19-9-9, scoring 63 goals and allowing only 43. Chelsea comes in well-rested, last playing on May 16, where they beat Manchester United.
Spain international Marc Cucurella played hero in that fixture, connecting on a perfect Reece James cross with his head to beat Andre Onana. That was a much-needed result for the Blues after a gutwrenching 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on matchday 36. But, the loss to the Magpies was their only one in the last eight games across all competitions, even beating title winners Liverpool during that span. The Blues need to bring their best on Sunday, and hopefully, that means Cole Palmer shows up and produces the goods when his club needs him most.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea Injury News
Santo hinted that Forest could be without a pair of key players in Murillo and Taiwo Awoniyi, who just had surgery. Other than that, the hosts have a relatively clean bill of health, with leading goal-getter Chris Wood expected to lead the line. As for Chelsea, Nicolas Jackson remains suspended, but Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu will be available, giving Maresca a boost. Jadon Sancho is also in the squad again after sitting out the United game since they’re his parent club.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea Picks
Seven of Chelsea’s defeats have come on the road, but Forest isn’t exactly thriving on home turf, either. That being said, the Blues have lost just once in their last seven meetings with the Tricky Trees. I believe they will secure the three points in a tightly contested affair at the City Ground. Take the Chelsea moneyline.
Pick: Chelsea +120/Sports Interaction
