Sutton's predictions: Nottingham Forest v Chelseapublished at 13:05 25 May
13:05 25 May
What a game this is, and it is a must-watch if you're a neutral too.
Nothing against my old club Chelsea, but I would love to go with my heart and say Nottingham Forest will beat them and finish in the top five - it is just I don't think either of those things will happen.
The City Ground will be absolutely jumping, of course, but it was the same for Forest's past three home league games, against Leicester, Brentford and Everton, and they only have one point to show for them - from their draw with the Foxes.
Chelsea are probably going to need a win too, to finish above Aston Villa and stay in the top five, but I can see this ending in the result neither team wants, which is a draw.
That was the result when they met at Stamford Bridge in October, in a game that saw a thrilling finish with chances at both ends. I am expecting more of the same here, with both sides ending up disappointed.
Owen: Sels is the best player at Forest. His saves have made the difference this season. Closely followed by Gibbs-White and Wood.
Raf: Between Sels and Wood. Gone for Sels - saved us more times than Wood's goals.
Sean: I think any Forest fan would struggle to pick a player of the season because it's been such a fantastic season and that's because of the efforts of the team, both on and off the pitch. However, it has to be Sels - 13 clean sheets and loads of key saves have won us so many points this season and got us through penalty shootouts to the FA cup semi-finals. It's been the basis of our success this season.
Edward: Wood's supreme efficiency has been paramount. Best shot conversion rate in Europe (50+ shots). Per Opta, Forest are 17th on the big chances created table. He has done the hardest job in football and done it better than he's ever done it before. Goals win games.
Mark: I selected Milenkovic. Not an easy decision but just look at our defensive record versus last season. We had the worst record for conceding from set-pieces, now we're one of the best. Milenkovic is a huge part of that improvement and links so well with Murillo. He also offers a threat at the other end from set-pieces too. Great g.
Tim: Milenkovic has been brilliant all season, commanding the defence. The other defenders have grown in confidence with his presence. Milenkovic and Murillo - fantastic together.
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea: Did you know?published at 11:13 24 May
11:13 24 May
Image source, Getty Images
Even if they lose this match, Nottingham Forest are guaranteed their highest Premier League finish since 1994-95 (third). Should results go their way on the final day, they could potentially reach the European Cup for the first time since the 1980-81 campaign, when they did so as reigning European champions.
However, Forest have won just one of their past seven Premier League games against Chelsea, beating them 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in September 2023.
The Blues won this fixture 3-2 last season. Only once have they won consecutive away league games against Forest.
Nottingham Forest v Chelsea: Fans' Q&Apublished at 20:01 23 May
20:01 23 May
Image source, Getty Images
Depending on results elsewhere, Nottingham Forest's match with Chelsea could prove to be winner takes all in the race for Champions League qualification.
The Blues know that a win will guarantee them a spot in the top five, while Forest will have to take all three points and hope for a favour from Aston Villa's game at Old Trafford or Newcastle's at St James' Park.
While the two sides go head to head on the pitch, we asked our fan writers for each club to go head to head off it.
Each fan got to ask three questions to each other before the big game...
Forest 'style of play suits against a team like Chelsea'published at 20:01 23 May
20:01 23 May
Saveena Johal Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Here is what our Nottingham Forest fan Saveena Johal had to say on questions set by our Chelsea er Ross Mooring.
Are you confident you can win on Sunday?
I am. The atmosphere will be cracking for the final home game, and we are going into the game off the back of a pivotal, and long-awaited win at West Ham.
Our style of play suits us against a team like Chelsea, so I'm hoping for ample opportunity for us to sit back and hit them on the break.
With the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ola Aina back from injury, the team will be up for it - this is a game that we can really go for and ultimately qualify for Europe, be that Champions League or Europa League.
Who is the player most likely to unlock Chelsea's defence?
Morgan Gibbs-White has been great at breaking down defensive lines. As a talented all-round player, he has the ability to drift through the opposition and heavily influence games.
He has performed well recently, with goals and assists in our past two matches. He has ounces of creativity both in and out of possession, smart tactical play and gets stuck into the deeper areas.
If Gibbs-White is at his peak on Sunday, there is no doubt the team as a whole will play well.
Which area of the Forest team could the Blues exploit, if any?
Ibrahim Sangare sometimes lets players drift past him in midfield, and he is lacking the fitness to get back. As he has not had regular game time, we have not been able to see his potential. He could therefore be a weak-link if he does play on Sunday.
Aside from that, we have conceded in the past three home games due to defensive errors. Matz Sels has been phenomenal, however, and with him I'm optimistic that he will help to boost the confidence in our back-line for the final game.
Caicedo will 'lead the charge' against Forestpublished at 20:00 23 May
20:00 23 May
Ross Mooring Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Here is what our Chelsea fan Ross Mooring had to say on questions put by our Nottingham Forest er Saveena Johal.
Given the recent trajectory of Chelsea, how confident are you that you can secure a Champions League spot on Sunday?
Even with the uptick in results over the past couple of months, performances have not reached the heights of the form in 2024 and, without a recognised striker available on Sunday, it is going to be even harder for the Blues.
It feels as if Forest possess more self-confidence as a unit, while Chelsea are probably going to need a bit of magic from Cole Palmer or a wildcard like Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, or even Tyrique George.
Colour me more hopeful than confident, but anything can happen in what is sure to resemble a cup final at the City Ground.
Which Blues player has impressed you the most this season?
Moises Caicedo - a devastating mixture of N'Golo Kante and Michael Essien - has had a dominant season from start to finish and deservedly won both the fans' and players' player of the season awards.
Cole Palmer's dip in form has been somewhat overstated as, even in his own dry spell, he has continued to churn out chances, of which team-mates have not taken advantage.
The trio in the first answer have all enjoyed strong ends to the campaign too, but if the Blues are going to keep Forest out and attack at pace, Caicedo will be the one leading the charge.
How would you rate your season, as 10 games in you were considered title contenders?
At the moment, six out of 10 seems right. A win on Sunday and in the Conference League final would probably push it to a seven, while the less said about two potential defeats the better.
Sustaining a title challenge was probably not a realistic target, but the messaging at the time from Enzo Maresca did the team no favours.
There have been a lot of missed opportunities throughout the campaign, including two dismal domestic cup defeats away from home. Many players have also struggled to perform in Maresca's system, resulting in just as many bad performances as bad results.
Nuno on Awoniyi, his future and players being 'on fire' for Chelseapublished at 15:34 23 May
15:34 23 May
Nottingham Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Chelsea (kick-off 16:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Nuno confirmed that Murillo is still being assessed after injuring his ankle at West Ham and has not been able to train. The Forest boss did not share nay other team news.
On the latest with Taiwo Awoniyi after his serious injury and surgery: "He is much better. Already been able to walk. Doctor informed us [Awoniyi] is starting his normal life in of eating his food, so he is doing much better."
On whether the forward would be at the ground on Sunday: "In the game, he is not going to be with us - it was a big issue. It is in our mind and we want him to be healthy again. So it is going to be a game for Taiwo, for the fans, for the city, for everybody."
Despite the pressure on the game, Nuno insisted this has been a "normal week" for the team: "Nothing changes. One thing we are enjoying is preparing for a big match, so why not enjoy it? Everyone is enjoying it here."
On his message to the players before the game: "In a game like this, with motivation you just don't have to worry about that. It is already there. Players are on fire to play the game so the message is to stick to the task. Recognise it is a tough team to play against and enjoy and play the game like we always do."
After Morgan Gibbs-White's call-up to the England squad, Nuno said he was "proud" of the midfielder and fielded questions on the midfielder's future: "No, I'm only concerned about his performance on Sunday. This is what we think. In his mind, the only thought is to compete and help the team on Sunday."
On reports linking Nuno with the Roma job: "Do you really think I'm going to waste time on that? So much to think and get ready - my main focus is preparing the team, getting best solutions and details for players. Nothing else."
On how much home will help against Chelsea: "The City Ground will help us. They have been doing so since the start of the season and last season, helping us a lot. Hopefully, it stays an enjoyable day for everyone. Chelsea are a good team, with good players and talented squad. It is a decisive game for everyone."
