Both Arsenal and Chelsea fans had reasons to celebrate before the international break, as Enzo Maresca’s side handed Liverpool another defeat and ensured the Gunners entered the pause sitting top of the table.
A stunning goal from Moises Caicedo and a late winner from teenage sensation Estevão who became the youngest Brazilian ever to score a decisive goal in the Premier League gave the Blues a 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge. That victory ended their three-game winless run in the league and served as a much-needed boost against the reigning champions.
With three wins from their opening seven league fixtures, Chelsea have climbed back into contention for a Champions League place. They currently sit seventh in the table, just three points behind fourth-placed Bournemouth.
The bigger picture looks promising for Maresca’s men, who have now won three of their last four matches in all competitions. However, Chelsea’s away form remains a lingering concern. The Blues have managed just three wins from their last 14 Premier League away games, collecting only 27% of their total points on the road in 2025 — the lowest ratio among all clubs to have stayed in the topflight throughout the year.
While Chelsea seem to be finding their rhythm, Nottingham Forest’s problems are mounting. Ange Postecoglou’s arrival was meant to spark a turnaround, but the Australian manager has yet to record a single league win with the club.
Forest’s latest setback came in a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United, with goals from Bruno Guimarães and in-form forward Nick Woltemade sealing another disappointing result. That loss marked their third straight defeat in all competitions and left Forest sitting 17th in the table — just one point clear of the relegation zone.
Postecoglou, who guided his previous club to Europa League glory, now finds himself under increasing pressure. Some fans are already calling for change, and reports suggest former Everton boss Sean Dyche could be a possible replacement. Still, for now, the Australian remains in charge and will hope that his eighth attempt brings his first victory as Forest manager.
The odds, however, are not in his favor. Forest risk going three Premier League matches without scoring for the first time since 1999, and they could also lose three consecutive home league games to Chelsea for the first time in their history, an unwanted milestone Postecoglou will be desperate to avoid.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Chelsea’s dramatic win over Liverpool didn’t come without incident, though this time, it wasn’t a player who saw red. Manager Enzo Maresca was sent off for his over-the-top celebrations following Estevão’s late winner, and as a result, he’ll serve a one-match suspension and watch Saturday’s game from the stands.
The Blues will also have to cope without several key players. Liam Delap (hamstring), Levi Colwill (ACL), Dario Essugo (thigh), and Mykhaylo Mudryk who is serving a doping suspension are all ruled out.
On top of that, there are fresh concerns over a number of first-team stars. Enzo Fernández (knee), Cole Palmer (groin), Andrey Santos (knock), Reece James (knock), Wesley Fofana (concussion), and Tosin Adarabioyo (calf) are all being assessed ahead of kickoff.
However, there is some good news for Maresca’s side. Trevoh Chalobah is available again after serving his suspension, while both Benoît Badiashile and Josh Acheampong who were forced off during the Liverpool match are expected to be fit, with their substitutions deemed precautionary.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, are in a better position fitness-wise. Former Chelsea full-back Ola Aina remains sidelined with a hamstring issue, while Oleksandr Zinchenko (groin) and Douglas Luiz (hamstring) face late fitness tests.
Manager Ange Postecoglou opted for a three-man defence in the defeat to Newcastle after Murillo picked up a knock in the Europa League loss to FC Midtjylland. Thankfully for Forest, the Brazilian defender is expected to be available again, allowing Postecoglou to revert to his preferred four-man backline — a setup that should favor former Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Nottingham Forest possible starting lineup:
Sels; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Dominguez; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; Lavia, Caicedo; Estevao, Buonanotte, Neto; Pedro
EXPERT PREDICTION
Nottingham Forest 1-3 Chelsea
