Steve Cooper's men have picked up just six points from their 17 away games. They have lost 13 of those games, scored only eight goals, and conceded 41. Their only away victory came at rock-bottom Southampton in January, and their three draws came against Brighton, Bournemouth, and Everton.
Forest have found the back of the net in nine of their last 11 games, including consolation goals in four of their last five away defeats. They have scored against Tottenham and Liverpool and will be confident of finding the net against Chelsea.
Both teams are dealing with injury problems.
Chelsea's defender Wesley Fofana is doubtful after picking up a hamstring injury against Bournemouth. Other sidelined players include Ben Chilwell, Mason Mount, Reece James, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella and Armando Broja.
Mateo Kovacic could return to midfield while Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling, Hakim Ziyech, and Christian Pulisic will all be gunning to start on the wings.
For Nottingham Forest, defender Serge Aurier has fitness issues and Renan Lodi is also a doubt after picking up a knock. All other missing players include Emmanuel Dennis, Dean Henderson, Giulian Biancone, Chris Wood, Jonjo Shelvey, Scott McKenna, Neco Williams, Omar Richards and Jack Colback
The front three of Awoniyi, Gibbs-White and Brennan Johnson are expected to start.
Chelsea's possible starting XI:
Kepa; Azpilicueta, Silva, Chalobah, Badiashile, Enzo Fernandez, Kante, Kovacic; Sterling, Havertz, Madueke.
Nottingham Forest's possible starting XI:
Keylor Navas, Toffolo, Worrall, Niakhate, Felipe, Mangala, Freuler, Danilo, Awoniyi Gibbs-White, Johnson.
Chelsea Premier League form (Last six matches): DLLLLW
Nottingham Forest Premier League form (Last six matches): LLLWLW
Key pointers:
- Nottingham Forest have picked up only six of their 33-point total on the road
- Chelsea has beat Nottingham Forest the last six times they have played each other at Stamford Bridge
- In each of these victories, there were at least two goals
- Forest have scored in their last 4 games out of 5 away from home
STANDARD TIPSTAR PREDICTION: Chelsea 2-1 Nottingham Forest
While Chelsea still do not look convincing enough at the back, their 3-1 victory away against Bournemouth should inspire the squad to pick up important points against Forest. Though the away side could take advantage of the fact that Chelsea have struggled to score at home this season, their leaky backline could prove costly. Don't count out the possibility of Forest scoring a goal as they have in 9 of their last 11. Chelsea's attacking quality, however, should be enough to exploit Forest. We expect a HOME WIN in this one.