Chelsea have won eight of their last 12 meetings with Nottingham Forest, losing only won, with the Blues now targeting back-to-back victories at the City Ground for the first time in 103 years.
This is the main event of the Premier League's final day, as this could be a straight-shootout for Champions League qualification. One will miss out on the top five, possibly both, it is very much all to play for on the banks of the River Trent.
Regardless of the outcome here, Nottingham Forest have qualified for Europe for the first time in 30 years, but they could end the day in any of UEFA's three competitions. Last Sunday, Nuno Espírito Santo's side kept their top-five hopes alive by beating West Ham 2-1, thanks to goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Nikola Milenković in East London.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea preview
Prior to this, the Garibaldi Reds had won just one of their previous six matches, thereby dropping out of the top five, but they are still in with a shout. Victory for Forest would see them leapfrog their visitors, guaranteeing Europa League at worst, then hoping that either Newcastle or Aston Villa drop points simultaneously to sneak into the Champions League. Regardless of what happens elsewhere, the equation for Forest is simple: they need to win this one.
As for Chelsea, they too require a victory to be sure of Champions League qualification because, anything less, and they'll drop out of the top five, if Newcastle and Aston Villa are both victorious. The Blues kept their fate in their own hands by, just about, battling to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United last Friday night; Reece James' inch-perfect cross headed home by Marc Cucurella.
Enzo Maresca's team have now won eight of their last nine at Stamford Bridge, but their away form isn't quite so impressive. On the road, Chelsea have won just one of their last ten in the Premier League, this coming at Craven Cottage, meaning it is now 168 days since their most-recent victory outside the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. This has to be a concern, certainly offering the Forest support encouragement, so who will win this season-defining encounter?
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 101.
- Nottingham Forest Wins: 27. Draws: 31. Chelsea Wins: 41.
Nottingham Forest team news
Nuno Espírito Santo's injury concerns have eased up, with Murillo miraculously starting against West Ham, despite having hobbled off at Selhurst less than a fortnight earlier. Meantime, former Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi came off the bench last Sunday, having missed the previous two matches due to a thigh issue, so could he come back into the lineup this time?
Taiwo Awoniyi will not feature, having spent time in a medically induced coma, after suffering a serious abdominal injury against Leicester, but there is optimism that he will be in attendance, which would be great to see. Lastly, Matz Sels is currently on 13 clean sheets for the season, level with David Raya, knowing another will guarantee at least a share of the golden glove.
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup vs Chelsea: (4-5-1): Sels; Aina, Milenković, Murillo, Williams; Domínguez, Anderson, Gibbs-White; Elanga, Hudson-Odoi, Wood.
Nottingham Forest player to watch vs Chelsea
Chris Wood has 20 goals to his name this season, one of which came at Stamford Bridge in October, on target against Chelsea for the very first time at the 13th attempt, so can he repeat the feat?
Chelsea team news
Enzo Maresca is without Nicolas Jackson through suspension, following his red card on Tyneside, while Wesley Fofana as well as strikers Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu remain sidelined.
Youngster Tyrique George was chosen to lead the line against Man United, his first-ever Premier League start, but Jadon Sancho can return, having been ineligible to face his parent club, with Pedro Neto through the middle. The other decision for Maresca to make comes at right-back, where Reece James is likely to get the nod, with Moisés Caicedo back in midfield and Roméo Lavia on the bench.
Chelsea predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest: (4-3-3): Sánchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernández, Caicedo, Sancho, Palmer, Madueke; Neto.
Chelsea player to watch vs Nottingham Forest
Cole Palmer has scored just one goal in his last 21 appearances across all competitions, but now would be a great time for him to score on the road for the first time since 4 January.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea prediction
We are backing Nottingham Forest for victory on the final day, thereby seeing Chelsea miss out on the Champions League, and giving them a shot at making it: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Chelsea.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea FAQs
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea on TV
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event & Ultra HD.
- USA: fuboTV, NBC, Telemundo & Deportes En Vivo
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea on live stream
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: SkyGo & NOW TV
- USA: fuboTV, nbcsports.com, USA Network, Telemundo & SiriusXM FC
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea?
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea takes place on Sunday 25 May 2025, with kick off at 16:00 (BST), 11:00 (EDT) & 8:00 (PDT).