Nottingham Forest FC vs Chelsea FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Nottingham Forest FC vs Chelsea FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Nottingham Forest hosts Chelsea on the Premier League's final day, with big European implications. Forest, currently seventh, have secured European football but aim for a top-five finish. A win, combined with dropped points by Newcastle or Aston Villa, could achieve this. Chelsea, in fifth and level with Aston Villa, have had a strong season under Enzo Maresca.  

Chelsea also have a Conference League final against Real Betis ahead. A win guarantees Chelsea a top-five spot. A draw would also likely secure it unless both Aston Villa win and Newcastle win or draw. This match is a crucial "playoff" for a Champions League spot, with Forest having the home advantage despite Chelsea being favorites. The formula for Chelsea is simple: win and they are in the top five. Forest, however, need other results to go their way for a Champions League berth. 

Head to Head Record - Chelsea dominates against Nottingham Forest in head to head matches, winning 5 of the 15 games. Their last match was a 1-1 draw where Chelsea struggled to finish despite dominating. The encounters between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest often see both teams score, with at least six of the last seven meetings featuring goals from both sides.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Nottingham Forest FC Preview

Nottingham Forest recently broke a three-match winless league streak with a 2-1 away victory against West Ham. However, their home form at the City Ground has faltered, with three games there without a win after a nine-match unbeaten home run. Despite a two-match winless streak against Chelsea, Nuno Espírito Santo's side aims to end their home slump and keep their Champions League hopes alive. Their fate isn't entirely in their hands; they need a win and for Newcastle or Aston Villa to drop points.

Key player Chris Wood, 33, is having his best season with 20 Premier League goals, almost a third of Forest's total. While he's only scored twice in seven games since an April injury, his presence is vital. Forest are guaranteed at least a Conference League spot but are pushing for the Champions League. 

Taiwo Awoniyi is out injured and Murillo a game-time decision due to an ankle injury. Chris Wood, Forest's leading scorer with 20 goals, is expected to be a key attacking threat. Manager Nuno Espírito Santo praised their recent win over West Ham, acknowledging some anxiety after conceding. Santo is reportedly being courted by AS Roma, while Nikola Milenkovic has been a standout g for Forest. 

Nottingham Forest Starting Lineup: Sels; Aina, Milenkovic, Morato, Williams; Dominguez, Anderson; Elanga, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi; Wood

Chelsea FC Preview

Chelsea is enjoying a strong league run, dropping maximum points in only one of their last eight games (W5, D2). They recently secured a crucial 1-0 home win against Manchester United thanks to Marc Cucurella's goal, keeping their Champions League hopes alive. While their home form is robust, Chelsea's away record is less impressive, with just one win in their last ten away games, losing six and drawing three. They also have a Conference League final against Real Betis approaching.

Marc Cucurella has shown significant improvement lately, with a 6.67 season rating. He earned player of the match against Manchester United with an 8.0 rating and has scored five goals and one assist this season, a marked improvement from previous seasons. Chelsea's Champions League fate is in their own hands; a win guarantees a top-five finish. Despite a 1-1 draw with Forest earlier this season, Chelsea won 3-2 at the City Ground last year and seeks consecutive away wins there for the first time in over a century. 

Nicolas Jackson remains suspended for Chelsea's season finale, potentially leading to Tyrique George starting up front. Enzo Fernandez is a player to watch, with five goal involvements in his last six games. Wesley Fofana and Omari Kellyman are injured, and Mykhailo Mudryk is suspended. However, Christopher Nkunku, Marc Guiu, and Jadon Sancho are available. 

Chelsea Starting Lineup: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Neto; Nkunku