Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea prediction, H2H and probable lineups – May 25, 2025
The matchday 38 Premier League clash between Nottingham Forest and London’s Chelsea will unfold this Sunday at the City Ground. I’m backing a goals market in this encounter with solid chances for success.
Match preview
For much of the campaign, Nottingham Forest held firm in the top three, but a late-season slump — just two wins in their last seven outings (alongside two draws and three defeats) — has seen them tumble to seventh in the table. The home draw against Leicester (2-2) was especially painful, as Forest squandered crucial points. Only last week did Nuno Espírito Santo’s men steady the ship, grabbing three points in London against West Ham (2-1).
Still, Forest’s situation heading into the final round remains precarious — securing a top-five finish requires not only a win but also that rivals Newcastle or Aston Villa slip up. Home form, however, provides hope: Forest are unbeaten in 10 of their last 12 Premier League games at the City Ground (seven wins and three draws) — a major asset at the season’s climax.
Chelsea have found their stride down the stretch — just one defeat in their last eight Premier League matches (five wins, two draws), with the lone loss coming away at Newcastle (0-1). Yet, even with this strong run, Enzo Maresca’s side still risk missing out on the Champions League.
The Blues are clinging to a top-five spot thanks to a healthy goal difference, but any slip-up in the final round could cost them dearly. Given the stakes, both Chelsea and their hosts will be forced to go for the win, leaving no room for half measures.
Probable lineups
- Nottingham Forest: Matz Sels – Ola Aina, Murillo, Nikola Milenkovic, Neco Williams – Elliot Anderson, Morgan Gibbs-White, Nicolas Dominguez, Ibrahim Sangare – Anthony Elanga, Chris Wood
- Chelsea: Robert Sanchez – Reece James, Levi Colwill, Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella – Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez – Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke – Tyrique George
Match facts and head-to-head
- The teams drew 1-1 in London in the reverse fixture earlier this season
- Both teams to score landed in four of the last five encounters
- Over 2.5 goals was successful in two of the last five meetings
Prediction
This promises to be a tense, highly cautious affair: a Champions League spot is at stake, and every mistake could prove costly. Both sides know how to defend — especially Forest at home — so don’t expect an open game. Most likely, we’ll see a tight, low-scoring contest, and my bet is “Under 3.0 goals” at odds of 1.77.
