When Chelsea Football Club steps onto the City Ground on Sunday, May 25, 2025, the stakes feel almost cinematic. A win could catapult the Blues into the coveted Champions League spots, while a slip‑up hands the advantage to rivals. The game kicks off at 4:00 PM BST, live on Sky Sports Main Event, and every fan will be watching for the same question: can Mauricio Pochettino’s men finish the season on a high?
Chelsea sit on 70 points, level with fourth‑placed Newcastle United Football Club and sixth‑placed Aston Villa. The difference? A goal‑difference swing of two. If the Blues win and Newcastle drop points, Chelsea leap into fourth and lock down a Champions League berth for the 2025‑26 season. A draw, however, would see them slip to fifth, consigning them to Europa League qualification.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest Football Club cling to 38 points in 17th place. They need a victory to keep survival hopes alive, making the encounter a classic ‘win‑or‑lose’ finale for both sides.
Squawka’s latest analysis (May 23, 2025) suggests a back‑to‑back XI after the 1‑0 win at Old Trafford. The only tweak appears to be the positioning of Tyrique George on the left wing, a move that could unlock more space for striker Pedro Neto.
The only notable absentees are Nicolas Jackson, serving the second match of a three‑game suspension, and the injured Wesley Fofana, whose season is effectively over.
Besides Jackson’s ban, the squad is missing the likes of Christopher Nkunku and teenage sensation Marc Guiu. Both are edging back from muscle problems but are expected to linger on the bench.
Good news for the Blues: Jadon Sancho finally becomes eligible after missing the previous match against his parent club, Manchester United, due to Premier League loan rules. The English winger could provide a creative spark off the bench if Chelsea need a goal late on.
Beyond the immediate league position, a Champions League spot brings a financial windfall estimated at £150 million in prize money, broadcasting revenue and commercial opportunities. It also eases pressure on Mauricio Pochettino, who will be looking to end his first season in charge on a positive note. The manager, who took over in January 2024, has already overseen a £1.2 billion net spend since the Clearlake Capital takeover.
Should Chelsea finish fifth, they’ll slip into the Europa League, which still offers decent exposure but lacks the prestige and financial muscle of the Champions League. That could affect future transfer targets and contract negotiations.
Across the pitch, Nuno Espírito Santo will be urging his side to keep the relegation battle alive. Forest are three points clear of the drop zone, but a loss could see them tumble into the Championship if other results go their way.
The Portuguese manager has leaned heavily on the heroics of home‑grown striker Taiwo Awoniyi and the industrious midfield trio of Remo Freuler, Joe Lolley, and Wes Morgan. A disciplined defensive display could frustrate Chelsea’s attacking trio of George, Palmer and Neto.
Regardless of the outcome, Chelsea’s calendar doesn’t pause for long. A week after the final whistle, the Blues board the flight to Miami for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where they’ll face Saudi Arabia’s Al‑Hilal in the group stage on June 18. The absence of Fofana will be felt, but the experience could be a valuable test for the younger centre‑backs.
For Forest, the focus will shift to the final few games of the Championship cut‑off, hoping to secure safety before the summer break.
A win guarantees Chelsea fourth place, securing a Champions League group‑stage slot for 2025‑26. If they draw, they finish fifth and drop into the Europa League, while a loss could see Newcastle overtake them on goal difference.
Striker Nicolas Jackson is serving a three‑match suspension (second game). Centre‑back Wesley Fofana is ruled out for the season, and midfielders Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu are doubtful but expected to sit on the bench.
No. Premier League rules prevent loanees from facing their parent clubs. Sancho missed the previous game against Manchester United but is eligible for the Forest fixture.
Forest must win to guarantee safety. A loss forces them to rely on other results, as they sit just three points above the relegation zone with one game left.
The Blues travel to Miami for the FIFA Club World Cup group stage on June 18, where they’ll meet Al‑Hilal. The tournament offers a chance to end the season with silverware before the summer break.
Written by Zimkita Khayone Mvunge
View all posts by: Zimkita Khayone Mvunge