Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Premier League 2024-25

A continental spot is up for grabs for both teams.

The Final Matchweek of Premier League 2024-25 takes us to the City Ground in Nottingham, where Nottingham Forest are scheduled to lock horns against Chelsea.

The final matchweek of the Premier League couldn’t be any more thrilling as five teams are in contention to secure the remaining three spots in the UEFA Champions League and a solitary spot in the UEFA Europa League. Nottingham Forest kick-started the season on a high note before a series of losses took them to the seventh spot.

Nuno Espirito Santos’ side would require a win to guarantee a continental spot. A draw would see them praying for the defeat of Newcastle United and Aston Villa. A loss would see all their hard work of the season go to vain. Luckily, they play their final game at home, and that would be a big boost mentally.

Chelsea can guarantee themselves a UCL spot before heading into their UEFA Conference League final fixture against Real Betis. They need a win to secure a ticket to the UCL. A draw would still guarantee their presence in Europe next season, whereas a defeat could be fatal for their European ambitions.

They are coming after defeating Europa League finalists, Manchester United, in their last game. Enzo Marseca would be keen to grab all three points in the next match and follow the footsteps of their London counterpart, Tottenham Hotspur, in bringing another European trophy to London.

Kick-off:

• Location: Nottingham, England
• Stadium: City Ground
• Date: Sunday, 25 May 2025
• Kick-off Time: 8:30 PM IST
• Referee: Anthony Taylor
• VAR: In Use

Form:

Nottingham (in all competitions): W-D-D-L-L

Chelsea (in all competitions): W-L-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Chris Wood (Nottingham)

The captain of the New Zealand football team has been in sublime form for the West Bridgford outfit. Chris Wood plied his trade with the Seagulls, Leicester, and Ipswich before signing for the Magpies in 2022. He served a loan period at Nottingham, where he grabbed a lot of eyeballs before signing a permanent deal with Forest.

The City Ground would be hoping to see him unleashing his beast in a must-win and probably the most important game for Nottingham Forest in their recent history.

His best goalscoring season in the Premier League 💥Chris Wood. 👏 pic.twitter.com/PZfOHcssOw

— Premier League (@premierleague) February 1, 2025

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

The 23-year-old English winger from Manchester has been a product of the Manchester City youth academy. After rendering his services at Etihad, he found his new home at the Stamford Bridge, and since then, he has emerged as one of the finest players for the Blues.

Palmer has played a pivotal role in keeping Chelsea’s continental hopes alive. He has also been their standout player in the UEFA Conference League, propelling them into the Finals of the competition.

Cole Palmer this season 😤✅ Most goals✅ Most assists#UECLfinal | @ChelseaFC pic.twitter.com/gB43Vt3LIR

— UEFA Conference League (@Conf_League) May 23, 2025

Match Facts

• Jimmy Greaves is the leading goalscorer of this fixture.
• Chelsea are coming after a win over United.
• Forest won one out of their last five matches.

Betting Tips & Odds

• Tip 1: Match to end in a draw – 11/10 with Bet365
• Tip 2: Cole Palmer to be the first scorer – 9/1 with William Hill
• Tip 3: Forest 2-2 Chelsea – 8/1 with Skybet

Injury and Team News

Nottingham Forest will be without the services of Taiwo Awoniyi for the upcoming fixture.

Chelsea, on the other hand, will most likely miss the presence of Wesley Fofana and Christopher Nkunku in the upcoming encounter.

Head-to-Head

Total Matches: 82

Forest won: 22

Chelsea won: 33

Draws: 27

Predicted Lineups

Nottingham Forest Predicted Lineup (4-3-1-2):

Sels (GK); Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Dominguez, Sangare, Anderson; Gibbs White; Wood, Elanga

Chelsea Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Sanchez (GK); James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella; Feranandez, Caicedo; Neto, Palmer, Madueke; George

Match Prediction

This is arguably the most important match for both teams, as a continental spot is up for grabs for both teams. Looking at the current form, we expect this match to culminate in a draw, keeping alive both teams’ hope for a continental spot.

Prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-2 Chelsea

Telecast details

India: Star Sports Network, JioHotstar

UK: Sky Sports, TNT Sports

USA: NBC Sports

Nigeria: SuperSport, NTA, Sporty TV

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