Verdict: Both teams to score
Best odds: 13/25
Bookmaker: Unibet
The standout fixture on the Premier League’s final day sees Nottingham Forest and Chelsea clash in a showdown that could end with one of them securing Champions League qualification.
The equation is straightforward for Chelsea – a win guarantees a top-five finish. Forest, meanwhile, must not only claim victory but also rely on favourable results elsewhere to keep their dreams alive for the 2025/26 season.
Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest still have a shot at qualifying for any of the three European competitions next season, with a place in the Conference League already secured at minimum and a path to the Champions League still open.
Last weekend’s vital 2-1 win over West Ham came courtesy of two standout performers: Morgan Gibbs-White pounced on an Alphonse Areola error, before Nikola Milenkovic headed in Anthony Elanga’s free kick. Jarrod Bowen pulled one back late on, but Forest weathered the storm to snap a four-game winless run and stay in contention for a top-five Premier League finish.
A win over Chelsea is essential, but not sufficient. Sitting on 65 points, Forest must also hope either Newcastle United or Aston Villa – both on 66 – drop points against Everton and Manchester United, respectively, to book a Champions League spot.
As final-day drama unfolds and fans obsessively check other scores, Forest can only control their part – aiming for a 20th league victory, which would be a first for them in a 38-game Premier League season.
Team News
As is typical of Nuno Espirito Santo, the Nottingham Forest boss offered minimal insight into his squad’s condition ahead of their decisive clash with Chelsea, only acknowledging that several players were nursing knocks without naming names.
He did, however, confirm that key centre-back Murillo has not trained since sustaining an ankle injury in the win over West Ham, casting serious doubt over his availability for Sunday. If he misses out, fellow Brazilian Morato is expected to partner Nikola Milenkovic in central defence.
On a more positive note, Taiwo Awoniyi is progressing well in his recovery from emergency surgery, though a return this weekend remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, Callum Hudson-Odoi – once of Chelsea – is tipped to re the starting lineup, potentially adding extra motivation as Forest look to deny his former club a Champions League berth.
Chelsea
With 19 wins apiece heading into the final matchday, Chelsea hold a slender edge over Nottingham Forest in the race for a Champions League spot, and crucially, the Blues’ destiny is entirely in their own hands.
Their latest triumph – a narrow 1-0 win over Manchester United thanks to Marc Cucurella’s header – marked a sixth victory in seven outings for Enzo Maresca’s men, who are peaking just in time for their UEFA Conference League final against Real Betis. That fixture looms just three days after their trip to the City Ground.
However, Chelsea’s away form has been a persistent concern. They’ve won only once in their last 10 Premier League road games, scoring just five goals and failing to hit the net in six of those outings.
Earlier this season, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Forest at Stamford Bridge, and while they did edge a 3-2 win at the City Ground last term, the Blues have not secured back-to-back league wins away to Forest in over a century. Doing so now would both seal a Champions League return and shatter Forest’s hopes of capping their overachieving campaign with a spot among Europe’s elite.
Team News
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca will remain without suspended striker Nicolas Jackson for Sunday’s Champions League shootout against Nottingham Forest, but he has been handed a timely attacking boost.
Both Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu have returned to fitness and are in contention to feature, potentially replacing youngster Tyrique George up front. In addition, Jadon Sancho is available again after sitting out last week’s clash with Manchester United due to loan restrictions.
However, the Blues will still be without Wesley Fofana and Omari Kellyman (both thigh injuries), while Mykhaylo Mudryk continues to serve a provisional suspension related to a doping case.
Conclusion
With Champions League qualification on the line, Sunday’s showdown at the City Ground demands boldness from both Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. Yet, while the stakes are sky-high, both teams have shown frailties that could cancel each other out.
Chelsea’s away-day struggles – just one win in 10 league outings and a poor scoring return – remain a red flag, despite their strong overall form. Meanwhile, Forest’s inconsistent finish to the campaign, coupled with injury concerns, may leave them just short.
Verdict: Both teams to score
Best odds: 13/25
Bookmaker: Unibet
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