Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

Nottingham Forest versus Chelsea will prove to be the most pivotal game of the weekend, as both sides are eager to qualify for UEFA Champions League football next season. However, with the pressure on this fixture, we think both sides will reach a stalemate and ultimately could miss out on the coveted Champions League spot.

Nottingham Forest recorded an important victory against West Ham United last time out, but their recent form has been stuttering, with the Reds going four games in all competitions without a victory prior to the win against the Hammers. Forest have been leaking goals as of late, having conceded first in four of their previous five matches.

Chelsea has had strong league form lately, with four wins from their previous five. Although away from home, the Blues have struggled with three defeats in their previous five on the road. Chelsea has shown great potency in front of the goal, which may cause Forest some issues considering their defensive problems.

This fixture has seen the BTTS market land in four of the last five meetings, and we think that will be the case here in a 1-1 draw between the two sides.

Nottingham Forest 1-1 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest host Chelsea at the City Ground, with this game being pivotal in the battle for UEFA Champions League football next season.

Date: 25/05/2025

Location: City Ground, Nottingham.

Kick-Off: 4 pm

This game between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea is season-defining for both clubs, as both teams ideally need a victory to guarantee themselves UEFA Champions League football next season. Manchester City's game in hand against Bournemouth in midweek will shape how the league table stands on the final day. Still, heading into the season's final day, only a point separates Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. These two sides are involved in one of the most intriguing situations at the end of the season in recent years, with them, Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United only separated by one point, with three spaces for European football still up for grabs.

Nottingham Forest have been one of the success stories of the season, as Nuno Espirito Santo has guided his side to European Football qualification for the first time since the 1995/96 campaign. Forest are in seventh place in the Premier League, having accumulated 65 points from 37 league matches and had also reached the FA Cup semi-finals this season. Chris Wood, Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White have provided a great plethora of attacking options for the home side, as the trio have provided 55 goal contributions for Forest this season. In defence, stellar performances from Matz Sels, Nikola Milenkovic and Murillo have given Forest a great platform from the back.

Chelsea have their foot firmly inside the top five of the Premier League heading into the final day of the campaign. The Blues will likely be as low as fifth (currently fourth) should Manchester City beat Bournemouth in midweek. The Blues have accumulated 66 points this season from 37 matches played, scoring 63 goals and conceding 43. Enzo Maresca's side also have another avenue into European football should they finish outside the top six places, as they have a UEFA Europa Conference League final to play against Real Betis.

The game is not available on TV. However, scheduling is yet to be finalised for the final day of the season.

Nottingham Forest Team News

Taiwo Awoniyi is unavailable for the foreseeable future for the Reds. Callum Hudson-Odoi could be set to start against his former employers after he was a second-half substitute against West Ham United.

Chelsea Team News

Wesley Fofana and Christopher Nkunku are the main injury concerns for Enzo Maresca's side. Nicolas Jackson is suspended for this fixture as he serves the second match of his three-match ban.

Nottingham Forest

Nottingham Forest are unbeaten in their previous three Premier League matches, following two draws against Leicester City (2-2) and Crystal Palace (1-1). Forest recorded a vital 2-1 victory against West Ham United in their most recent league match. Goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Nikola Milenkovic secured the win for Nuno Espirito Santo's side. Prior to their victory against West Ham United, Forest had gone three games without a defeat, including the draws against Leicester City and Crystal Palace, and a further loss against Brentford (0-2).

Nottingham Forest are without a win at home in their last three league matches, having last beaten Manchester United (1-0) at the start of April.

Chelsea:

Chelsea has had strong league form lately, with four wins from their previous five. The Blues have recorded notable victories against Manchester United (1-0), Liverpool (3-1), Everton (1-0) and Fulham (1-2). Chelsea have been poor defensively against Nottingham Forest, having failed to keep a clean sheet in the last five meetings between the two sides.

Although away from home, the Blues have struggled with three defeats in their previous five on the road.

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