Nottingham Forest could be on the verge of hiring their third manager of the season as Ange Postecoglou's tenure teeters on the edge ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Chelsea.
Nottingham Forest boss Ange Postecoglou will be hoping for a much-needed home win Saturday, as the Tricky Trees host an injury-hit Chelsea.
Former Spurs boss Postecoglou has been under pressure after a nightmare start to life at the City Ground. Forest is currently on a winless run of seven matches across all competitions and there are widespread reports of Sean Dyche being lined up as a potential replacement for the Australian coach.
Chelsea, meanwhile, went into the international break in good form and will be looking to make it three consecutive English Premier League wins but are set to be without long-term absentees Cole Palmer, Dario Essugo, Liam Delap and Levi Colwill, while midfielder Moisés Caciedo is set to undergo a late fitness test.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea kick-off time
Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
Kick-off Time: 12:30 pm BST / 7:30 am ET / 1:30 pm CET
Venue: The City Ground
Location: Nottingham, England
The Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea will be played at The City Ground in Nottingham, England.
It will kick off at 12:30 pm BST / 7:30 am ET / 4:30 am PT / 1:30 pm CET on Saturday, October 18, 2025.
Maresca's elation after Chelsea's stoppage-time winner against Liverpool earned him a touchline ban but he'll fancy his team getting the better of a Forest team without a win since opening day.
Postecoglou was under intense pressure the moment he replaced Nuno Espirito Santo at the City Ground barely a month ago and is odds-on to be the next Premier League manager sacked.
Tensions run high as the upcoming match sees Nottingham Forest and Chelsea prepare to meet again, 5 months after the previous Premier League encounter which Chelsea won 0-1. Nottingham Forest are in a rough patch, heading into this clash after suffering defeats to Newcastle United, Midtjylland and Sunderland, marking nine games without a single win. Resolving issues at the back will be vital for improvement, particularly since their defense has shown cracks, with goals conceded across ten consecutive matches.
Chelsea, unlike their opponents, come into this clash with momentum, following two straight victories against Liverpool and Benfica in their most recent games. Though notably, their backline has lacked consistency, with goals conceded across six consecutive away matches.
This Premier League clash shines a light on the players who have played crucial roles in creating and converting chances for Nottingham Forest and Chelsea in this campaign. Nottingham Forest’s attacking options, under Ange Postecoglou’s guidance, have been bolstered by Igor Jesus, the team’s top scorer, and Chris Wood, both of whom have contributed crucial goals. Wood has emerged as Nottingham Forest’s leading scorer in Premier League this season, netting two goals, while Ndoye remains their top assist provider in the competition with one. Morgan Gibbs-White, Neco Williams and Callum Hudson-Odoi have also played key roles, contributing with goals and assists to fuel Nottingham Forest’s attack.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s offensive unit, carefully orchestrated by Enzo Maresca, has leaned on Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandez, their main scorer, as they continue to drive the team’s attacking efforts forward. With three goals in Premier League, Fernandez is Chelsea’s top scorer in the league, while Pedro has been their leading creator in the competition with three assists. Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer and Trevoh Chalobah have made their presence felt as well, chipping in with decisive contributions in attack.