Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest Predictions

• Nine of Forest’s last 10 Premier League games have seen both teams score
• Chelsea have kept just two clean sheets across their last 16 league games
• The visitors have lost 2-1 and 3-2 at Arsenal and Man United this season
• Taiwo Ayoniyi has scored in seven consecutive Premier Leauge matches

Blues on their way back

Another busy transfer window has helped to put some distance between Chelsea and their dismal 2022/23 campaign, but on the pitch they aren’t that far removed from last season’s woes. Their 3-0 victory over Luton last week was their first home victory since March, which was followed by Wednesday’s 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon.

That means the Blues can claim a third win in eight days this weekend, having won just five games between January 1st and August 20th. Mauricio Pochettino is making an impact, with his side looking good for spells throughout each of his first four games in charge. However, Saturday pits them against a Nottingham Forest side who have already troubled two of last season’s top three.

Forest causing problems

Nottingham Forest only have three points on the board after three games, but they can’t be too disheartened with their away defeats to Arsenal and Manchester United. Steve Cooper’s side piled pressure onto the Gunners at the Emirates after cutting the deficit to 2-1 and they could have taken away a point. Last weekend’s visit to Old Trafford saw them race into a 2-0 lead, only to fall to a 3-2 defeat.

Forest will see last weekend’s visit to United as a bit of a missed opportunity, but it showed they shouldn’t fear any Premier League trip. That’s good for a side that possessed the league’s worst away record last term. On top of that, the visitors have arguably the league’s most in-form forward in their ranks.

Awoniyi can strike again

Incredibly, Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi is on course to match Jamie Vardy’s Premier League record for scoring in consecutive games. Awoniyi has netted in seven straight games dating back to last term, having scored three in three this season. He’s just four games short of Vardy’s record and he can trouble Chelsea this weekend.

The Blues have kept just one clean sheet in their first four games. They even conceded to Wimbledon in midweek and Luton created chances at the Bridge last Friday. The Blues have managed only two Premier League clean sheets across their last 16 games, while BTTS has landed in nine of Forest’s last 10 matches. Both sides should be good for goals in this clash, with Awoniyi a great bet to score anytime.