The Premier League delivers another intriguing weekend fixture as Nottingham Forest host Chelsea F.C. at the City Ground. Both clubs come into this matchup at very different points in their seasons. For Chelsea, it’s about momentum, squad depth, and testing youth under Enzo Maresca. For Nottingham Forest, it’s about rediscovering form after a sharp dip in performance over the past two months.
As always, lineups are more than just names on a sheet—they reflect tactics, intent, form, and in some cases, desperation. In this in-depth analysis, we break down the confirmed Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea F.C. lineups, tactical expectations, team form, and what fans should watch for as the match unfolds.
Let’s dive in.
Match Overview and Broadcast Info
- Fixture: Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea F.C.
- Competition: English Premier League 2025/26
- Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
- Kick-off: 12:30 BST | 7:30 AM EDT | 5:00 PM IST
- Venue: City Ground, Nottingham, England
- Referee: Chris Kavanagh (VAR: Peter Bankes)
How to Watch
- United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, discovery+
- United States: USA Network, Universo, NBC Sports Live
- India: Star Sports Select HD1, Disney+ Hotstar
- Nigeria: SuperSport Premier League, DStv Now
- Other regions: Check local listings
Official Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea F.C. Lineups
Nottingham Forest Starting XI:
Sels
Morato – Milenkovic – Murillo – Zinchenko
Douglas Luiz – Sangaré – Anderson
Willians – Gibbs-White – Awoniyi
Substitutes: John, Jair, Savona, Hudson-Odoi, Ndoye, Domínguez, Yates, Wood, Igor Jesus
Chelsea F.C. Starting XI (Likely 4-2-3-1):
Sanchez
Gusto – Acheampong – Chalobah – Cucurella
James (c) – Lavia
Neto – Andrey Santos – Garnacho
João Pedro
Substitutes: Jorgensen, Tosin, Hato, Caicedo, Buonanotte, Estêvão, Gittens, George, Guiu
Chelsea F.C. Starting XI: Key Notes & Tactical Structure
Under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea have adopted a fluid tactical system, most often starting in a 4-2-3-1 before transitioning into a 3-2-5 in possession. The lineup against Nottingham Forest features:
Goalkeeper: Robert Sánchez
Steady and composed with the ball at his feet, Sánchez is Chelsea’s go-to No. 1, especially in games where buildup from the back is essential.
Defense
- Gusto and Cucurella offer width, overlapping runs, and defensive work rate.
- Chalobah brings experience in central defense, paired with the young and promising Josh Acheampong.
Midfield Pivot: James and Lavia
This unusual pivot sees Reece James play in a hybrid role, while Roméo Lavia provides vertical progression and pressing resistance. Expect James to invert during possession phases.
Attacking Midfield Trio
- Neto (right), Andrey Santos (central), and Garnacho (left) provide balance, creativity, and pressing intensity.
- Santos is being trialed in a more advanced playmaker role.
Striker: João Pedro
In red-hot form, Pedro offers mobility, clinical finishing, and link-up play, especially crucial given the young midfield behind him.
Nottingham Forest Starting XI: Formations & Strategy
Forest manager Steve Cooper has opted for a 4-3-3, but this can shift into a defensive 5-4-1 against top-tier opponents like Chelsea.
Goalkeeper: Matz Sels
Signed for his experience, Sels will need to be sharp to keep Chelsea’s energetic attack at bay.
Defensive Line
- Morato, Milenkovic, Murillo offer strength but have been vulnerable in transition.
- Zinchenko, on loan from Arsenal, provides playmaking from deep but can be caught out defensively.
Midfield Three
- Douglas Luiz, Sangaré, and Anderson form a solid defensive trio, but can be overwhelmed by quick interchanges.
Front Three
- Willians, Gibbs-White, and Awoniyi will rely on counters, with Gibbs-White tasked with creation and late runs into the box.
Recent Form & Head-to-Head Record
Nottingham Forest Recent Form
- Lost last 6 matches
- Last win: vs Brentford (two months ago)
- Home struggles continue: 3 consecutive losses at the City Ground
Chelsea F.C. Recent Form
- 5 wins from last 6
- Averaging 2.3 goals per game in that span
- Riding momentum from domestic and European success
Head-to-Head
| Date | Fixture | Result |
|---|---|---|
| May 2025 | Chelsea vs Forest | 2-0 Chelsea |
| Jan 2025 | Forest vs Chelsea | 1-1 Draw |
| May 2024 | Chelsea vs Forest | 2-2 Draw |
Chelsea are unbeaten in the last four meetings, and Forest haven’t won against the Blues since the 1990s in top-flight competition.
Key Players to Watch
Chelsea
- João Pedro: Scored in his last 3 appearances.
- Reece James: Captain, defensive anchor, and deep playmaker.
- Garnacho: Electric on the left, capable of game-changing moments.
Nottingham Forest
- Morgan Gibbs-White: The creative heartbeat.
- Awoniyi: Holds up play and targets aerial duels.
- Douglas Luiz: Brings composure and Premier League experience.
Tactical Preview: Midfield Battles and Wing Play
Chelsea’s Game Plan
Chelsea are likely to dominate possession and focus on:
- Building from the back via Sánchez
- Overloading wide areas with Gusto and Garnacho
- Using James as an inverted full-back to support midfield buildup
Expect Chelsea to press high and attempt to win the ball back within 8 seconds of losing possession — a key Maresca principle.
Forest’s Strategy
Forest will look to:
- Sit deep in a mid-to-low block
- Exploit Chelsea’s high line with direct balls to Awoniyi
- Use Gibbs-White’s movement to create space on the break
The challenge will be whether Forest’s defense can absorb 90 minutes of pressure without breaking.
Bench Strength and Substitution Options
Chelsea Substitutes to Watch
- Caicedo: Adds control and bite in midfield
- Estêvão & Gittens: Young flair players, great off the bench
- Marc Guiu: Physical No. 9 option for late changes
Forest Bench Options
- Hudson-Odoi: Ex-Chelsea player, may have a point to prove
- Chris Wood: A traditional target man for late set pieces
- Domínguez & Yates: Can add legs in midfield
What This Match Means for Both Clubs
Chelsea’s Objectives
- Continue building chemistry in a young, exciting squad
- Cement a top-four position
- Maintain momentum ahead of Conference League semifinals
Nottingham Forest’s Urgency
- Desperate for points after a long winless run
- Pressure mounting on Steve Cooper
- Could fall into relegation zone with another loss
Conclusion
The Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea F.C. lineups tell the story of two clubs heading in very different directions. Chelsea’s youthful, dynamic team under Enzo Maresca is focused on development and dominance, while Nottingham Forest are searching for solutions in a season slipping away from them.
With key players like João Pedro, Garnacho, and Reece James involved, and tactical complexities on both sides, this fixture offers far more than meets the eye. Whether it’s a story of Chelsea’s ascent or Forest’s redemption, the next 90 minutes at the City Ground could shape both clubs’ seasons.
FAQs
1. What time is the Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea match?
Kickoff is at 12:30 PM BST on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
2. Who is starting for Chelsea?
Chelsea’s starting XI includes Sánchez, Gusto, Chalobah, Cucurella, James, Lavia, Neto, Santos, Garnacho, and João Pedro.
3. Are there any debutants in the Chelsea lineup?
Josh Acheampong continues to start, while Andrey Santos plays in a more advanced role. Estêvão and Gittens may appear off the bench.
4. How can I watch the game?
In the UK, tune into TNT Sports 1. In the US, watch on USA Network or Universo. In India, it’s on Star Sports Select HD1 and Hotstar.
5. What’s Chelsea’s recent form like?
Chelsea are on a hot streak, winning 5 of their last 6 matches across all competitions.
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