The stakes could hardly be higher as Nottingham Forest and Chelsea prepare to face off in a dramatic final-day encounter, with both sides eyeing a coveted place in next season’s UEFA Champions League.
For Forest, the sense of anticipation around the City Ground is palpable. After a long wait, European football is already secured for next season, which marks a significant achievement in itself. However, with just a single point separating them from Chelsea, the team sitting in fifth, there is a real belief that the dream of returning to Europe’s top competition is within reach for the first time since the early 1980s. The scenario is clear: Forest must take care of business against Chelsea and hope that either Aston Villa or Newcastle stumble in their own matches.
That path, though, is far from simple. Forest’s recent home form offers little comfort, as the club has gone three matches at the City Ground without a win. Memories of last season’s home defeat to Chelsea, where a spirited contest ended in heartbreak, will still linger among supporters. Even so, the club can draw on the knowledge that it has been over a century since they lost back-to-back home league meetings against this particular opponent.
Chelsea arrive knowing that victory would remove all doubt and confirm a top-five finish, securing their spot in next year’s Champions League. There are other permutations in play—indeed, a draw might still be enough depending on results elsewhere—but the visitors are certain to approach this clash with determination, aiming to carry momentum into their European final next week. Their recent run of form has been strong, and there is a clear sense that the squad wants to end the domestic season on a high.
Despite Chelsea’s impressive home performances, their results away from Stamford Bridge have not matched the same level. The side has struggled to impose itself on the road, particularly when facing teams in the top half of the table. Only one away win in the last ten league fixtures suggests that the challenge at the City Ground could be significant, especially with the pressure mounting and history reminding them that away days have not been kind.
For Forest, creative sparks have come from Anthony Elanga, who scored the crucial winner in the club’s only victory over Chelsea since 1997. His recent contributions, with assists in three of his last five league outings, have made him a constant threat. Supporters will hope his flair can unlock Chelsea’s defense when it matters most.
On the other side, Pedro Neto stands out for Chelsea. The attacking midfielder has developed a habit of delivering when it counts, with twelve of his fifteen Premier League goals coming in the second half of matches. Notably, he remains the only Chelsea player to have scored a match-winning goal away from home this calendar year, making him a player to watch as the tension rises.
While both teams have shown their attacking potential, a closer look at the numbers suggests that Chelsea sometimes find it hard to break down higher-ranked opposition on their travels. Out of twenty-eight away league goals scored this season, only seven have come against sides currently sitting thirteenth or higher in the table. This detail could be crucial as Forest look to leverage home advantage.
As the final whistle approaches, fans on both sides will be glued to their phones, checking scores elsewhere as the picture for European qualification takes shape. Every goal at the City Ground could have enormous implications, creating a sense of suspense that will grip supporters until the very end.
With so much riding on the outcome, players and fans alike are sure to bring passion, noise, and energy to this last chapter of the season. The promise of Champions League football looms large, making this contest one of the day’s most captivating fixtures.
By the end of ninety minutes, one team will have taken a giant leap back toward the elite of European football, while the other may be left wondering what could have been. Either way, the City Ground is set for an afternoon packed with drama, emotion, and potentially, celebration.
World Time Zones
| Europe | GMT |
 London | 16:00 |
| Edinburgh | 16:00 |
 Madrid | 17:00 |
 Lisbon | 16:00 |
 Berlin | 17:00 |
 Paris | 17:00 |
 Amsterdam | 17:00 |
 Rome | 17:00 |
 Belgrade | 17:00 |
 Sofia | 18:00 |
 Warshaw | 17:00 |
 Tirana | 17:00 |
 Istanbul | 18:00 |
 Kyiv | 18:00 |
 Moscow | 18:00 |
| North America | GMT |
 New York, New York City | 11:00 |
| Texas, Dallas | 10:00 |
| Utah, Salt Lake City | 09:00 |
| California, Santa Clara | 08:00 |
| Alaska, Anchorage | 07:00 |
 St. John’s | 13:00 |
| Halifax | 12:00 |
| Toronto | 11:00 |
| Winnipeg | 10:00 |
| Edmonton | 09:00 |
| Vancouver | 08:00 |
 Mexico City | 09:00 |
| South America | GMT |
 Sao Paulo | 12:00 |
 La Paz | 11:00 |
 Lima | 10:00 |
| Australia | GMT |
 Perth | 23:00 |
| Eucla | 23:45 |
| Darwin | 00:30 |
| Adelaide | 00:30 |
| Brisbane | 01:00 |
| Sydney | 01:00 |
| Asia | GMT |
 Mecca | 18:00 |
 Kabul | 19:30 |
 Karachi | 20:00 |
 New Dehli | 20:30 |
 Dhaka | 21:00 |
 Jakarta | 22:00 |
 Singapore | 23:00 |
 Kuala Lumpur | 23:00 |
| Africa | GMT |
 Accra | 15:00 |
 Porto Novo | 16:00 |
 Casablanca | 16:00 |
 Johannesburg | 17:00 |
 Cairo | 18:00 |
 Nairobi | 18:00 |
Where to watch Nottingham vs Chelsea Live Stream and, on Satellite TV?
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Now Sports Premier League TV (Hkg),
Sky Sport Premier League (Nzl),
Sky Sports Main Event (Gbr/Irl),
Sky Sports Premier League (Gbr/Irl),
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