Chelsea have rebounded strongly after a challenging opening fixture against Manchester City, showcasing an exciting, attacking brand of football complemented by a solid defence. Enzo Maresca has successfully implemented a system that has seen Chelsea score 20 goals in their last five league games, while keeping three clean sheets.

This balance between defensive stability and offensive firepower has resulted in a five-game winning streak across all competitions, including a comfortable victory over Gent in their Conference League opener. Maresca’s squad rotation has allowed Chelsea to remain competitive on multiple fronts, even with a congested fixture list, suggesting they have the depth to handle Nottingham Forest.

Nottingham Forest, despite an impressive win over Liverpool three rounds ago, have struggled to maintain consistency, with a draw and a loss in their last two games. Their attack has been lacklustre, averaging just 1.5 goals per game, which has left them sitting 10th in the league. In contrast to Chelsea’s dynamic form, Forest’s inconsistency and blunt attacking play make them vulnerable in this matchup.

While past meetings have been relatively even, with both sides winning once at each other’s grounds, Chelsea’s current form suggests they are clear favourites for this fixture. Their attacking threat and defensive organisation should be too much for an inconsistent Forest side to handle.

After a title-winning campaign was followed by a disappointing sixth-place finish last season, Antwerp have bounced back strongly under new manager Jonas De Roeck. His wide, attacking style of play has propelled Antwerp to second place, with five wins from their opening nine games.

Their home form has been particularly dominant, with 14 goals scored and just four conceded across five matches, underlining their attacking potency and defensive solidity. With a three-game win streak heading into this match, Antwerp look primed to continue their winning form on Sunday.

Cercle Brugge, on the other hand, are struggling under Miron Muslic, currently sitting in the relegation zone. Their away form has been particularly dismal, with just one goal and one point from their travels. Conceding an average of 2.13 goals per game, Cercle have won only one of their last eight away matches across all competitions.

Historically, Antwerp have dominated this fixture, winning 13 of their 20 meetings and seven of their last nine encounters. This trend, Brugge’s poor form, combined with Antwerp’s strength at home, makes it difficult to see anything but a comfortable home victory.