“I am not convinced with how they defend” - Chris Sutton predicts winner of Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest 

Chris Sutton has backed Chelsea to beat Nottingham Forest in their Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday (October 6). The pundit, however, does not see the Blues maintaining a clean sheet this weekend.

The west Londoners have had an excellent start to the 2024-25 campaign. Despite an element of uncertainty with new manager Enzo Maresca being appointed in the summer, the Blues have shown great form under the Italian boss.

Chelsea are fourth in the table, having secured four wins, and are two points off the top of the league. Sutton believes the west Londoners will continue their impressive form at home against Forest.

He told BBC Sport:

"Chelsea are a lot easier to predict this season. I am not getting their scores right, but I am having much more joy with their results. Being a former Chelsea player, I obviously have that connection with the current players, the same way I linked up so well with the Chelsea team I played for."

"Unfortunately, I am not doing too well with Nottingham Forest this time. They drew me in, to make me believe they would get something against Fulham last week, and let me down badly. I am not getting sucked in again."

He continued, praising in-form Chelsea star Cole Palmer:

"Cole Palmer, who will go down as 'the one that Manchester City let get away', is on fire at the moment, and it is as if he has got eyes in the back of his head. I absolutely love watching him play because everything is so easy for him, and it feels like he is going to score every time he plays."

"Forest will probably nick a goal, because I am not convinced with how Chelsea defend, but this is definitely a home win - I am sure of it."

Sutton's prediction: Chelsea 2-1 Nottingham Forest

Alan Shearer's prediction for Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest

Alan Shearer echoed with Chris Sutton as he backed the Blues to secure all three points against Forest this weekend. The pundit also highlighted Nottingham Forest's 1-0 defeat to Fulham last weekend, while touching on Cole Palmer's form as well.

Palmer has continued his extraordinary form this season, having racked up 27 goals and 15 assists across competitions last term. The England international has contributed six goals and four assists in six league fixtures so far.

He was the star of the show in the Blues' 4-2 win against Brighton & Hove Albion last weekend. He scored all four of his side's goals in the first half of the fixture and set a new record in the process.

Giving his predictions for this weekend's Premier League fixtures, Alan Shearer told Metro:

"Chelsea are flying, there’s no doubt about it. Forest had a poor result at home against Fulham and will be looking to bounce back but with the form Chelsea are in, and in particular Cole Palmer, I’d have to say Chelsea will win once again."