Ange Postecoglou has been sacked by Nottingham Forest after just eight games in charge. Postecoglou lasted just 39 days in charge of Forest, the shortest managerial reign in Premier League history.
A club statement said: “Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect. The club will make no further comment at this time.”
Quickfire goals from Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong and Pedro Neto condemned had Forest to another defeat and Postecoglou faced more chants of “you’re getting sacked in the morning”, with club owner Evangelos Marinakis leaving his seat after 66 minutes and the home supporters flooding towards the exits when Reece James scored the third.
It leaves Forest 17th in the Premier League table and searching for a third manager of the season, with the popular Nuno Espirito Santo dismissed earlier in the campaign. Former Burnley and Everton boss Sean Dyche has been linked as a possible replacement.
Follow the latest reaction from Chelsea v Nottingham Forest, below
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
- Ange Postecoglou sacked by Nottingham Forest after just eight games
- Postecoglou sacked after 3-0 defeat at home to Chelsea in Premier League
- 84' GOAL! Postecoglou faces 'sacked' taunts as James adds another [NFO 0-3 CHE]
- 51' GOAL! Pedro Neto doubles lead to pile pressure on Postecoglou [NFO 0-2 CHE]
- 47' GOAL! Josh Acheampong scores first Chelsea goal with header [NFO 0-1 CHE]
Nottingham Forest FC 0 - 3 Chelsea FC
Ange Postecoglou timeline: Two sackings and a trophy in 149 days
15:08 , Jamie Braidwood- 22 May 2025: Leads Tottenham to Europa League title, ending club’s 17-year wait for trophy
- 6 June 2025: Sacked by Tottenham after finishing 17th in Premier League
- 20 June 2025: Nuno Espirito Santo signs new three-year contract at Nottingham Forest
- 9 September 2025: Nuno sacked three games into new season
- 9 September 2025: Postecoglou appointed Forest manager on two-year deal
- 18 October 2025: Postecoglou sacked after eight games and 39 days in charge
Ange Postecoglou makes Premier League history after 39-day reignA
15:02 , Jamie BraidwoodAnge Postecoglou’s 39 days in charge of Nottingham Forest is he shortest managerial reign of any permanent Premier League manager to leave a club during the season, according to Opta.
As it goes, Nottingham Forest’s statement to announce his departure was 39 words long.
It read: “Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect. The club will make no further comment at this time.”
Sean Dyche linked with Forest job after Postecoglou sacked
14:53 , Jamie BraidwoodPostecoglou’s sacking comes after the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, where club owner Evangelos Marinakis left his seat before full-time as home fans streamed for the exits.
It leaves Forest 17th in the Premier League table and searching for a third manager of the season. Former Burnley and Everton boss Sean Dyche has been linked as a possible replacement.
Forest sacked the popular Nuno Espirito Santo, who led the club back into Europe last season, just three games into the new campaign after a dramatic decline in his relationship with club owner Marinakis.
Postecoglou sacked after just a month in charge of Forest
14:51 , Jamie BraidwoodPostecoglou has now been sacked from his last two jobs. He was dismissed by Tottenham at the end of last season after finishing 17th in the Premier League, with the club’s Europa League victory unable to save him.
Under Postecoglou, Forest picked up just one point from five Premier League games, scoring just one goal in the 1-1 draw at Burnley.
Ange Postecoglou sacked by Nottingham Forest
14:51 , Jamie BraidwoodAnge Postecoglou has been sacked by Nottingham Forest after just eight games in charge. Postecoglou lasted just 39 days in charge of Forest, the shortest managerial reign in Premier League history.
The former Tottenham Hotspur boss replaced Nuno Esprito Santo just three games into the season last month, but has been dismissed after becoming the first manager in the club’s history to fail to win any of his first eight games.
Postecoglou’s sacking comes after the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, where club owner Evangelos Marinakis left his seat before full-time as home fans streamed for the exits.
BREAKING: Ange Postecoglou sacked by Nottingham Forest after eight games
14:44 , Jamie BraidwoodA club statement said: “Nottingham Forest Football Club can confirm that after a series of disappointing results and performances, Ange Postecoglou has been relieved of his duties as head coach with immediate effect. The club will make no further comment at this time.”
What next for Ange Postecoglou?
14:27 , Jamie BraidwoodPostecoglou looks a lonely figure as he stands in the middle of the pitch and claps towards the stands, which have emptied pretty quickly.
Tough times. Club owner Evangelos Marinakis also left his seat after 66 minutes, which is not a great sign.
Nottingham Forest's results under Ange Postecoglou
14:25 , Jamie Braidwood13 September: Arsenal (a), Premier League, L 3-0
17 September: Swansea City (a), EFL Cup, L 3-2
20 September: Burnley (a), Premier League, D 1-1
24 September: Real Betis (a), Europa League, D 2-2
27 September: Sunderland (h), Premier League, L 1-0
2 October: FC Midtjylland (h),Europa League, L 3-2
5 October: Newcastle (a), Premier League, L 2-0
18 October: Chelsea (h), Premier League, L 3-0
Eight games, zero wins, 18 goals conceded.
FULL TIME! Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea
14:25 , Jamie BraidwoodOh dear. The boos ring around the City Ground as Nottingham Forest lose their fourth game in a row, with Ange Postecoglou becoming the first manager in the club’s history to not win any of their first eight games in charge.
Forest had chances in the first half and were on top. But they couldn’t take them - and this defeat could spell the end for Postecoglou after just eight games in charge.
FULL TIME! Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea
14:23 , Jamie BraidwoodQuickfire goals from Josh Acheampong and Pedro Neto condemned Nottingham Forest manager Ange Postecoglou to another defeat as Chelsea earned a 3-0 win at the City Ground to go fourth in the Premier League.
Postecoglou remains without a win as Forest manager and his fourth defeat in a row could spell the end for the Tottenham boss after just eight matches in charge, with Sean Dyche among those who have been linked with his position.
Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea
14:23 , Jamie Braidwood90+3 mins: Milenkovic is offside from the free-kick as Forest try to find a consolation. And now Sanchez is booked for wasting time. Another Chelsea yellow card.
Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea
14:19 , Jamie Braidwood90 mins: More bad news for Postecoglou. Forest have five more minutes of this.
Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea
14:18 , Jamie Braidwood90 mins: It’s been a good second half for Chelsea but Maresca will be furious to face more questions of ill-discipline after Gusto’s red card. Estevao has just been show a yellow card for kicking the ball away, too.
RED CARD! Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea (GUSTO 86')
14:16 , Jamie BraidwoodAnother red card for Chelsea! Remarkable. It’s their fourth of the season.
And it’s so, so daft from Malo Gusto. Already on a booking, he dives in on Williams from behind.
Brainless.
GOAL! Nottingham Forest 0-3 Chelsea (JAMES 84')
14:12 , Jamie BraidwoodOh dear. It’s 3-0.
Forest fans are heading to the exits as James thrashes in from the penalty spot. It comes from another set-piece as Sels makes a mess of the punch. James has a simple finish in front of the away end. It’s party time in there.
But this is looking bleak for Forest and Postecoglou.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
14:12 , Jamie Braidwood82 mins: If you look at Postecoglou’s record in the Premier League while in charge of Nottingham Forest, this is his fifth game in charge and they have only scored one goal...
Forest are heading for a fourth defeat in five, with a 1-1 draw at Burnley their only point under Postecoglou.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
14:06 , Jamie Braidwood79 mins: It’s turned into a fine afternoon for Pedro Neto, with a goal and an assist to turn the game. He is replaced by the 18-year-old Estevao.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
14:05 , Jamie Braidwood76 mins: Things don’t get any easier for Forest as they host Porto on Thursday in the Europa League followed by a trip to high-flying Bournemouth on Sunday.
There’s another chance as Hudson-Odoi tees up Anderson down the left and it breaks to Sangare - who slashes at the ball and fires it into the stands. Awful.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
14:02 , Jamie Braidwood72 mins: Two more changes for Forest. Chris Wood replaces Zinchenko and Nicola Savona is on for Murillo.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
13:59 , Jamie Braidwood70 mins; HOW HAS THAT STAYED OUT! Igor Jesus has rattled the bar and the post in one go, after stretching to make the volley!
When your luck is out...
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
13:54 , Jamie Braidwood65 mins: SAVE! Sanchez is called into action and springs to his right to keep out the header from Milenkovic, which was heading towards the corner.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
13:53 , Jamie Braidwood63 mins: Forest cannot afford to go 3-0 down but Chelsea keep getting openings. Guiu has made a difference since coming on, and offers the run in behind. Sels saves and Forest clear.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
13:50 , Jamie Braidwood60 mins: Excellent defending from Gittens to track back and beat Williams to the ball after Anderson’s good work to cut it back.
It’s followed by another excellent chance for Williams, who this time is unmarked! Zinchenko swings it in, but Williams fires over on the volley.
Watch: Nottingham Forest stunned by quickfire Chelsea goals
13:49 , Jamie BraidwoodGOAL! Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea (ACHEAMPONG 47')
Josh Acheampong bags his first goal for Chelsea 🔥
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 18, 2025
The Blues lead at the City Ground...@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/kie1JWKoAK
GOAL! Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea (NETO 52')
Pedro Neto strikes from a free-kick 🎯
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 18, 2025
In the blink of an eye Nottingham Forest are 2-0 down...@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/hd7VZGUl2P
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
13:47 , Jamie Braidwood58 mins: Neto with the chance to make it three... but he drags wide after slaloming into the box. Forest were so solid defensively last season but look a right mess at the back.
Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea
13:45 , Jamie Braidwood55 mins: Where do Forest go from here after that sucker-punch from Neto? Postecoglou responds by sending on Hudson-Odoi for Douglas Luiz.
The Forest fans are looking to get behind their team but the atmosphere is tense.
GOAL! Nottingham Forest 0-2 Chelsea (NETO 52')
13:40 , Jamie BraidwoodA HORRIBLE COUPLE OF MINUTES FOR FOREST AND POSTECOGLOU! From the free-kick on the edge of the box, Pedro Neto fires low and through the wall. It beats Mats Sels, who should do much better.
“You’re getting sacked in the morning” rings from the Chelsea fans. Are the Forest fans joining in too?
GOAL! Nottingham Forest 0-1 Chelsea (ACHEAMPONG 47')
13:37 , Jamie BraidwoodWHAT A MOMENT FOR THE TEENAGER! The 19-year-old centre-back celebrates in front of the away end after heading Chelsea into the lead!
Chelsea kept going from the free-kick and Pedro Neto, who was poor in the first half, provides the magic from out wide. He uses his pace to find space and clip the cross into the box.
There, Acheampong has a free header and wheels away in celebration. It’s his first Chelsea goal and it heaps the pressure on Postecoglou, who shakes his head.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:37 , Jamie Braidwood47 mins: The changes should allow Pedro more license to roam and he is fouled by Igor after drifting wide to the left wing. Chelsea win a free-kick but James puts his cross straight into the first man.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:33 , Jamie BraidwoodA triple change for Chelsea at half-time! That rather sums up how they were playing.
Moises Caicedo is summoned, as is Jamie Gittens and Marc Guiu.
Romeo Lavia, Alejandro Garnacho and Andrey Santos are hooked.
There’s a change for Forest, too, with Igor Jesus replacing Taiwo Awoniyi.
HALF TIME! Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:32 , Jamie BraidwoodMorgan Gibbs-White has yet to score this season but could have done so with this excellent chance inside the first half.
Morgan Gibbs-White so nearly had Nottingham Forest 1-0 up after a Chelsea defensive mistake 🫣
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 18, 2025
It remains 0-0 at half-time...@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/noWHSfnCPb
HALF TIME! Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:20 , Jamie BraidwoodGoalless at the break, but there have been chances for both teams and the only reason it’s 0-0 is because of woeful finishing.
Forest had four or five decent openings inside the first 20 minutes but couldn’t hit the target - with Morgan Gibbs-White wasting the best opportunity with a first-time shot.
Chelsea have missed Moises Caicedo in midfield and the visitors have been sloppy. But they improved before the break and had a good chance to take the lead when Andrey Santos was put through on goal, only to drag wide.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:18 , Jamie Braidwood45 mins: It’s been a good spell from Chelsea and they probably don’t want the half-time whistle to come. Neto cuts inside and drives a long-range shot over the bar. Forest will be grateful to get back inside and regroup.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:14 , Jamie Braidwood42 mins; CHANCE! Oh it should be 1-0 to Chelsea! It’s magnificent from Pedro , who drops into midfield and springs a lovely pass over the top to Santos. The Brazilian doesn’t look confident, and snatches at the shot on his left foot to drag it wide of goal.
Maresca has his head in his hands from the stands.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:13 , Jamie Braidwood41 mins: The Forest centre-back Morato follows Pedro into midfield from a goal-kick and picks up a yellow card for a silly foul on the forward.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:11 , Jamie Braidwood39 mins: CHANCE! Better from Chelsea. Neto floats a pass towards Pedro and he takes a clever touch to set up Santos. The ball is rising, and Santos is unable to get his foot over the top of it as he slices over the bar. Decent opening.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:10 , Jamie Braidwood38 mins: Neto has the beating of Zinchenko at every opportunity, but the final ball has been woeful so far. A clipped cross from the angle this time drifts straight out.
This has not been pleasant watching for Maresca as he looks down from the stands.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:06 , Jamie Braidwood35 mins: Gusto plays a switch to Garnacho that runs out of play. One minute later, Gusto rolls a simple pass out to Neto out of play. Good grief, how Chelsea miss Caicedo.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:04 , Jamie Braidwood32 mins: A rare opportunity for one of Chelsea’s wingers to have a run at his full-back as Neto drives past Zinchenko, only to drive a cross straight at Sels.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:02 , Jamie Braidwood31 mins: It’s been a very difficult opening half-hour for the Chelsea midfield, particularly Andrey Santos, who has barely had a touch. Lavia is struggling on both sides of the ball, too.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:01 , Jamie Braidwood29 mins: Reece James lands the first shot on target of the game from a 30-yard free-kick, but it’s a simple save for Sels to make.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
13:00 , Jamie Braidwood27 mins: A teasing free-kick from Gibbs-White is just begging for a touch! Awoniyi was lurking but Lavia just managed to get a touch before it fell to Milenkovic at the back post. Sanchez collected as Murillo prodded back across.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:57 , Jamie Braidwood24 mins: Forest have been able to get down the sides of Chelsea with their wing-back system, and exploit the gaps once again as Williams looks to slip in Gibbs-White. But Williams overhits a simple pass and that rather sums up Forest so far.
Chelsea, though, have been awful in possession, which is why Forest are able to keep coming.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:52 , Jamie Braidwood20 mins: AND ANOTHER! More chaos in the Chelsea defence, so sloppy playing out. It breaks again for Forest as Luiz nods across to Gibbs-White, who at full stretch can’t direct it in on the volley. Gibbs-White slams the turf.
Postecoglou can’t believe it either. Five decent openings in 20 minutes and Forest haven’t hit the target once.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:51 , Jamie Braidwood19 mins: HUGE CHANCE! Another opportunity goes begging for Forest! Lavia fails to control the ball in midfield and Awoniyi rolls it to Gibbs-White. He takes it first time but curls wide of the post!
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:47 , Jamie Braidwood16 mins: Chelsea need someone to step up in the absence of Palmer and Caicedo but it’s been a muted start from the visitors so far.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:45 , Jamie Braidwood13 mins: Gibbs-White is looking to take the game by the scruff of the neck, popping up all over. He looks to cut it back to Awoniyi but Chelsea clear.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:42 , Jamie Braidwood9 mins: Without Caicedo and Fernandez, there are gaps all over the Chelsea midfield! Chalobah this time gives the ball away cheaply, which releases Gibbs-White. He goes left to Anderson but the in-form man tries to chop back inside rather than shooting at goal, and Acheampong recovers to win the tackle in the box.
That’s a third opening for Forest inside 10 minutes without testing Robert Sanchez.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:40 , Jamie Braidwood7 mins: There has been some early encouragement for Forest. Awoniyi, again involved, this time looks for Gibbs-White as Forest win the ball high up the pitch, but his pass is behind the England midfielder.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:38 , Jamie Braidwood5 mins: Chelsea take a free-kick from deep looking to find Garnacho at the back post. He weighs up a spectacular overhead - but doesn’t get the connection.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:36 , Jamie Braidwood3 mins: Zinchenko is looking to take up positions in midfield when Forest have the ball and guides a pass towards Awoniyi, who concedes the foul on Acheampong.
At the other end, Neto bursts in to the box. Zinchenko has a nibble but Neto stays on his feet and Sels has to make the save before Forest clear.
Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:33 , Jamie Braidwood1 min: CHANCE! Oh dear, oh dear. Gusto gives the ball away passing back towards his own goal and it releases Taiwo Awoniyi, who is making his first start of the season. It’s two-on-two but Awoniyi ignores Gibbs-White to shoot, only to drag the shot wide.
Chris Wood and Igor Jesus watch on from the bench.
KICK OFF! Nottingham Forest 0-0 Chelsea
12:32 , Jamie BraidwoodEnzo Maresca is sitting behind a red and white Nottingham Forest scarf as ‘Mull of Kintyre’ rings around the City Ground. It’s a cracking atmosphere, but could it turn ugly if the hosts go behind?
We’re underway as the players take the knee for Black history month. There are some boos.
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea
12:28 , Jamie BraidwoodAnge Postecoglou applauds to the Nottingham Forest fans as he takes his place on the touchline.
A huge 90 minutes coming up for him, as rumours swirl around the City Ground regarding his own future.
Kick-off is next.
Enzo Fernandez injury 'not a concern' - Enzo Maresca
12:27 , Jamie BraidwoodChelsea boss Enzo Maresca may be banned from the touchline today but he is able to fulfil his media commitments. "It is not a big concern. He is out for an injury but hopefully can be back very soon,” the Italian tells TNT Sports.
On starting without Fernandez and Moises Caicedo in his midfield, Maresca adds: "It's not just about them. We need to try and find a different solution. We are going to try to find a solution."
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea: Reminder of team news and how to watch
12:25 , Jamie BraidwoodChelsea XI: Sanchez, James, Chalobah, Acheampong, Cucurella,Gusto, Lavia, Pedro Neto, Santos, Garnacho, Joao Pedro.
Subs:Jorgensen, Adarabioyo, Bynoe-Gittens, Hato, Caicedo, George,Guiu, Buonanotte, Estevao.
Nottingham Forest XI: Sels, Williams, Milenkovic, Morato, Murillo,Sangare, Gibbs-White, Douglas Luiz, Anderson, Zinchenko,Awoniyi.
Subs: John Victor, Hudson-Odoi, Wood, Ndoye, Dominguez,Igor Jesus, Yates, Jair Cunha, Savona.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Subscribers can also watch the match on discovery+.
How times change: Chelsea's last visit to Nottingham Forest
12:20 , Jamie BraidwoodChelsea’s trip to Nottingham Forest on the final day of last season came with both teams aiming to secure qualification to the Champions League.
Levi Colwill’s goal settled the shoot-out as the Blues finished in the top-five, while Nottingham Forest dropped into the Europa League despite spending the majority of the season in the Champions League qualification spots.
Chelsea became world champions over the summer and came into the season with expectations of challenging for the title, but Forest have already changed managers and come into the weekend in 17th place.
Chelsea legend blames ‘impossible’ pre-season for Cole Palmer injury
12:15 , Jamie BraidwoodCole Palmer’s crushing injury setback is down to Chelsea’s “impossible” pre-season, according to club legend Pat Nevin.
Palmer has been dealing with a groin injury since August and after missing England’s recent internationals, manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed the Blues will be without their star playmaker for another six weeks.
The 23-year-old’s issue followed a summer in which Chelsea’s season was extended to 330 days by their Club World Cup success in the United States.
Chelsea legend blames ‘impossible’ pre-season for Cole Palmer injury
Ange Postecoglou launches passionate defence of record
12:00 , Jamie BraidwoodAnge Postecoglou has insisted that he will deliver a trophy for Nottingham Forest if he is given time at the club as the embattled manager gave a staunch, lengthy defence of his managerial qualities.
Postecoglou has endured a difficult start to his tenure at the City Ground, failing to win any of his first seven games after replacing Nuno Espirito Santo.
It has led to speculation that Forest could part ways with the Australian, although the manager revealed that planned talks with owner Evangelos Marinakis did not take place during the international break as the club prepare to return to Premier League action against Chelsea.
Postecoglou launches passionate defence of record and makes Forest trophy promise
No Moises Caicedo in Chelsea line-up
11:45 , Jamie BraidwoodFor the first time since a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United in November 2023, Moises Caicedo starts a Premier League match for Chelsea on the bench.
The midfielder, who scored a spectacular goal against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago, started all 38 Premier League games for the Blues last season, as well as their first seven games of this campaign.
The Ecuador international been one of the players of the season so far but is on the bench following the international break.
Chelsea team news: No Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo on the bench
11:25 , Jamie BraidwoodAn interesting Chelsea side, to say the least. There’s no Enzo Fernandez in the squad while Moises Caicedo is only on the bench following international duty.
Romeo Lavia comes into midfield while Josh Acheampong starts in defence while Tosin Adarabioyo returns to the bench after injury, but Wesley Fofana remains out.
There’s also a start for Andrey Santos, with Estevao on the bench.
Chelsea XI: Sanchez, James, Chalobah, Acheampong, Cucurella,Gusto, Lavia, Pedro Neto, Santos, Garnacho, Joao Pedro.
Subs:Jorgensen, Adarabioyo, Bynoe-Gittens, Hato, Caicedo, George,Guiu, Buonanotte, Estevao.
Nottingham Forest team news: Douglas Luiz starts but Wood on the bench
11:22 , Jamie BraidwoodChris Wood is only on the bench for Nottingham Forest after picking up a knock on international duty, as is Igor Jesus. So Taiwo Awoniyi returns to the starting line-up.
There’s a start, too, for former Arsenal player Oleksandr Zinchenko, but Callum Hudson-Odoi is on the bench against his former side.
Douglas Luiz also starts alongside England internationals Elliot Anderson and Morgan Gibbs-White.
Nottingham Forest XI: Sels, Williams, Milenkovic, Morato, Murillo,Sangare, Gibbs-White, Douglas Luiz, Anderson, Zinchenko,Awoniyi.
Subs: John Victor, Hudson-Odoi, Wood, Ndoye, Dominguez,Igor Jesus, Yates, Jair Cunha, Savona.
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea team news and line-ups
11:15 , Jamie BraidwoodNottingham Forest XI: Sels; Williams, Milenkovic, Murillo, Morato, Zinchenko; Anderson, Sangare, Douglas-Luiz; Gibbs-White, Awoniyi
Team news is in! 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/HS1OILqYzj
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) October 18, 2025
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Acheampong, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Lavia; Neto, Santos, Garnacho; Pedro.
Team news is in! 💪#CFC | #NFOCHE pic.twitter.com/5Aub5m3AVx
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) October 18, 2025
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea team news and line-ups
11:11 , Jamie BraidwoodWill be confirmed in the next few minutes.
Ange Postecoglou's seven-game winless run
11:05 , Jamie Braidwood13 September: Arsenal (a), Premier League, L 3-0
17 September: Swansea City (a), EFL Cup, L 3-2
20 September: Burnley (a), Premier League, D 1-1
24 September: Real Betis (a), Europa League, D 2-2
27 September: Sunderland (h), Premier League, L 1-0
2 October: FC Midtjylland (h),Europa League, L 3-2
5 October: Newcastle (a), Premier League, L 2-0
Pressure mounting on Ange Postecoglou after winless Forest start
10:45 , Jamie Braidwood“If people want to make an assessment of me after three and a half weeks in which I’ve had six or seven games, there’s nothing I can do about that,” Postecoglou said after the 2-0 defeat at Newcastle.
“But at the same time, there’s nothing wrong with things being tough. That’s okay. I’ll say it a million times, I did have an option. I could have been sitting on the couch watching the game today and not be in the middle of it.
“I’d rather be, much rather be… I love a fight. So it’s a fight, so it’s a struggle – so what? That’s okay. Now, if people outside don’t think I’m the right person, or even internally don’t think I am, it makes no difference for me.”
Estevao Willian ‘couldn’t be happier’ after first Chelsea goal topples Liverpool
10:25 , Jamie BraidwoodChelsea match-winner against Liverpool Estevao Willian said he “couldn’t be happier” after scoring his first Premier League goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
The 18-year-old has been used sparingly by head coach Enzo Maresca since arriving at Stamford Bridge in the summer while he acclimatises to English football, but he was sent on in the second half to devastating effect as the champions were condemned to a third straight loss in all competitions.
It brought a dramatic finale to what had been a fascinating match, Estevao beating Liverpool’s Andy Robertson to the ball at the far post to squeeze Marc Cucurella’s cross over the line with only seconds to play.
“I’m just so, so happy,” he told Chelsea’s website. “It’s an amazing feeling to score my first Premier League goal and in such a big game, I’m just so happy.”
Estevao Willian ‘couldn’t be happier’ after first Chelsea goal topples Liverpool
Enzo Maresca handed ban and fine after Chelsea celebration against Liverpool
10:05 , Jamie BraidwoodChelsea head coach Enzo Maresca will serve a one-match touchline ban after his sending-off against Liverpool.
The Football Association said Maresca had admitted a misconduct charge, having been dismissed in the sixth minute of stoppage time in the match after wildly celebrating his side's winner.
He has also been fined £8,000.
Enzo Maresca handed ban and fine after Chelsea celebration against Liverpool
Ange Postecoglou's defiant response to seven-game winless run
09:45 , Jamie BraidwoodAnge Postecoglou came out fighting as speculation over his future at Nottingham Forest intensified after a 2-0 Premier League defeat at Newcastle.
Asked if his self-belief had been dented by a difficult start at Forest, he said: “I started in Australia when I was 32 years old in semi-professional football and I’m here in the Premier League at the age of 60. Do you reckon I lack self-belief or don’t like a fight?
“I didn’t get here because of my connections. In fact, I’ve picked fights. I have, even in the schoolyard. I’ve picked fights with people who I knew would beat me up. That’s the kind of person I am, so that’s fine.”
Ange Postecoglou says he loves a fight as pressure builds at Nottingham Forest
Ange Postecoglou remains confident he can deliver trophies at Nottingham Forest
09:38 , Jamie BraidwoodAnge Postecoglou insists if he is given time at a club it always “ends the same – with me and a trophy” following a tough start to life at Nottingham Forest.
Postecoglou has failed to win any of his first seven games since taking charge at the club on September 9 and will hope to get over the line against Chelsea at the eighth time of asking.
The Australian has already faced criticism from fans but retained the support of Forest’s hierarchy before they suffered a third successive defeat against Newcastle ahead of the international break.
Cole Palmer to miss six more weeks of Chelsea action with injury
09:35 , Jamie BraidwoodCole Palmer is set to miss the next six weeks for Chelsea with head coach Enzo Maresca warning that the club’s medical staff are “not magicians”.
The 23-year-old has been struggling with a groin injury for much of the season and has not played since being taken off 20 minutes into the 2-1 defeat by Manchester United on September 20.
Prior to the international break Maresca said he had hoped to have Palmer back for Saturday’s game at Nottingham Forest but, when asked about the progress of the injury, he admitted: “I was wrong. Unfortunately he needs to be out probably six more weeks.
“We try just to protect Cole as much as we can. The most important thing is that when he comes back he’s fully fit.”
What is the Chelsea team news?
09:33 , Jamie BraidwoodOn top of Maresca’s absence, Chelsea will be without Cole Palmer for another six weeks as his groin issue prolongs. Reece James has been passed fit to feature, though, while Tosin Adarabioyo and Wesley Fofana are back in contention. Benoit Badiashile is out until December with a muscle problem, while Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Pedro Neto are doubts.
Predicted line-up
Chelsea XI: Sanchez; Gusto, Tosin, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Lavia; Estevao, Buonanotte, Gittens; Pedro.
What is the Nottingham Forest team news?
09:32 , Jamie BraidwoodForest don’t have many injury concerns, with their only major blow being that of Ola Aina who has been out for a while with a hamstring problem. Oleksandr Zinchenko and Douglas Luiz are in a race against time to make 100 percent fitness, though.
Predicted line-up
Nottingham Forest XI: Sels; Savona, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Anderson, Dominguez; Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Jesus.
When is Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea?
09:31 , Jamie BraidwoodNottingham Forest’s clash with Chelsea in the Premier League kicks off at 12:30pm BST on Saturday 18 October at the City Ground in Nottingham.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the game on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate, with coverage starting at 11am BST. Subscribers can also watch the match on discovery+.
Good morning
09:30 , Jamie BraidwoodChelsea make the trip to Ange Postecoglou’s struggling Nottingham Forest as the Premier League returns from the October international break.
The Blues prolonged Liverpool’s slip last time out, with Estevao’s stoppage-time winner sending Stamford Bridge into euphoria and stripping the defending champions of top position.
Enzo Maresca sprinted down the touchline to celebrate with his players but won’t have the chance to do the same at the City Ground - he’ll be absent from the Chelsea bench as he serves a one-match ban for his antics.
Postecoglou, meanwhile, may not have much time left in his own dugout after a disastrous start to life at Forest, having failed to register a win in his first seven games since being appointed in September.
