Nottingham Forest star Chris Wood was one of the best strikers in the Premier League last season and will be looking to punish Chelsea this weekend.
Forest host Chelsea at the City Ground, with Ange Postecoglou still looking for his first win in charge.
In the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, Wood scored an impressive 20 goals in 36 games. There is no doubt that Postecoglou will be looking to him on Saturday.
However, to say that Wood’s record against Chelsea is a tad underwhelming would be an understatement.
Chelsea defender Thiago Silva battling with Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Chris Wood has only scored one goal against Chelsea
Wood has come up against Chelsea many times but has often been on the losing side.
He is a good striker, possessing experience and enough physicality to cause Premier League defenders issues. Against Chelsea, though, it is something that the 33-year-old has rarely done.
In the 14 games that Wood has played against the Club World Cup winners, he has only managed to score one goal.
The good news for Forest is that goal came last season in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge, showing that the New Zealand international can find the back of the net against this current Chelsea team. Nevertheless, the above is still concerning if you are Postecoglou.
Chris Wood’s individual record vs Chelsea Total
Games 14
Goals 1
Assists 1
Via Transfermarkt
If things do not improve, Postecoglou could be replaced by Sean Dyche, which would see Wood reunite with his former manager at Burnley.
Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood chasing after the ball
Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
How many wins does Chris Wood have against Chelsea?
Wood’s record of wins versus the Conference League holders is not any better.
He has only ever been on the winning side twice, and many will expect that to still be the case after Saturday.
Chris Wood’s team record vs Chelsea Total
Wins 2
Draws 3
Losses 9
Chelsea should be full of confidence after beating Premier League champions Liverpool 2-1 just before the international break.
Enzo Maresca‘s side will be without Cole Palmer, who is still recovering from a groin injury, but they should still have enough to beat Wood and Forest this weekend. If they do that, it could spell the end for Postecoglou.