Nottingham vs Chelsea prediction, probable line-ups and H2H – 25 May 2025
On May 25, 2025, the City Ground in Nottingham will host the final round Premier League clash between Nottingham Forest and Chelsea. Here’s my pick for a winner in this high-stakes encounter.
Nottingham Forest
The Tricky Trees, under Nuno Espírito Santo, have been one of the season’s biggest revelations. Seventh place in the table and a real shot at a Champions League spot with one round to go—such progress was beyond the wildest dreams of even Nottingham’s most loyal supporters. The team showcases a pragmatic style built on a rock-solid defense, which ranks among the league’s best this season. Especially impressive at home, Forest share the top spot with Liverpool for the fewest goals conceded on their own turf.
Notably, Forest, along with Arsenal and Fulham, remain the only sides in the league who haven’t lost to the soon-to-be champions. In those encounters, both Forest and the Cottagers have picked up four points each.
However, the season’s end has been far from smooth for Nottingham. They’ve managed just one win in their last five matches—coming in the previous round. This dip in form has left them on shaky ground, making the upcoming clash with Chelsea a true do-or-die affair. Their home form is especially concerning: three clean-sheet defeats in their last four games at the City Ground raise big questions ahead of a visit from a motivated Chelsea. Regardless of the outcome, though, Forest have already secured European football for the first time in 30 years.
Chelsea
For Chelsea, the City Ground showdown is the ultimate summary of their campaign. Only a win guarantees the Blues a top-five finish and, with it, a Champions League berth. Any other result hands the initiative to rivals Aston Villa and Newcastle—if those sides avoid slip-ups, Chelsea could miss out on Europe’s main event.
Looking back, Chelsea’s season can be considered more positive than disappointing. After this trip to Nottingham, the Blues will contest the Conference League final—a trophy that, if won, would make Chelsea the only club to have captured every possible European title they’ve entered. But it won’t be a walk in the park: they face a formidable Betis side, and Mauricio Pellegrina, known for his tactical discipline, will surely have a plan ready.
In their last five Premier League outings, Chelsea have collected four wins and suffered just one defeat—away at Newcastle’s St. James’ Park. That result proved pivotal, creating a tense end to the season. In that match, Chelsea’s main striker Nicolas Jackson was sent off, a blow that shaped the remainder of the contest. The Senegalese forward is now suspended for this crucial fixture, leaving Enzo Maresca with a real puzzle: how to break down one of the league’s toughest defenses without a natural frontman.
- See also: Santo may leave Nottingham Forest after a conflict with Marinakis. Roma offers him a contract
Probable line-ups
- Nottingham: Sels, Aina, Milenković, Murillo, Williams, Sangaré, Anderson, Domínguez, Gibbs-White, Elanga, Wood
- Chelsea: Sánchez, James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella, Fernández, Caicedo, Palmer, Madueke, Sancho, Neto
Match facts and H2H
- Nottingham have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last eight matches. The trend continues at home—four straight games at the City Ground without a shutout.
- Chelsea, by contrast, have found attacking consistency—failing to score in just one of their last ten matches in all competitions.
- However, Chelsea’s away form in 2025 is a concern: just one Premier League win on the road since the start of the calendar year.
- The reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Prediction
Both teams need the win, but Chelsea look the stronger side. Nottingham are struggling at the finish line, buckling under pressure and dropping points in must-win games like the one against Leicester. Chelsea, meanwhile, have four wins from their last five, high spirits, and a Champions League spot within reach. Even without a striker, the Blues’ quality and motivation should tip the scales. Our pick: Chelsea to win at odds of 2.10
