Enzo Maresca shouts instructions on the touchline. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

'Difficult game' – Paul Merson makes Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea prediction

Originally posted on Chelsea News | By Charlie Patrick | Last updated Oct 17, 2025 1:45 AM ET

Chelsea take on Nottingham Forest on Saturday lunchtime looking and Paul Merson has given his prediction for the game.

The Blues recorded a much needed win against Liverpool before the break, and sit seventh with 11 points from their opening seven games.

Chelsea are five points behind early leaders Arsenal, and could really do with putting a run of wins together and building some consistency.

Paul Merson makes Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea prediction

Enzo Maresca was without eight players against Liverpool, but Chelsea should have more players available for the trip to The City Ground.

Trevoh Chalobah will be back from suspension, whilst Wesley Fofana and Tosin Adarabioyo are both expected to be available.

Enzo Fernandez is also thought to be in contention after returning home early from international duty, but it’s unclear whether Andrey Santos will be fit.

Cole Palmer won’t feature, and he’s set to miss the next four games with the groin injury that’s caused him issues since the Club World Cup.

Forest are struggling and yet to win a game under Ange Postecoglou, but Merson has backed them to get a point against Chelsea.

“Chelsea had a great result against Liverpool and I must admit, I didn’t see that coming, this is a difficult game though,” he told Sportskeeda.

“It has been a bit of a stop-start season for Chelsea and they must now put together a run of good wins to take charge in the race for a top four finish.”

“Looking at the table, Forest are 17th and it’d be a massive shock if Chelsea cannot beat them on Saturday.

“But Forest are a decent team on paper, and they have to turn the tide sooner rather than later. so I’m backing them to get a point.

“Prediction: Nottingham Forest 1-1 Chelsea.”