Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has forecast a 1-0 win for Nottingham Forest against Chelsea in their crucial Premier League match at the City Ground. Merson’s prediction is based on Chelsea’s poor away record against top-half teams this season, having lost all their matches against teams in the top eight.
Chelsea’s Away Record Raises Concerns
Merson expressed his skepticism about Chelsea’s chances, stating, “I don’t see Chelsea winning this game. They have lost all their away games against the top eight teams this season. For Chelsea to go to Nottingham Forest and get a win on the last day is a big challenge. Away from home, they haven’t been good enough.”
High Stakes for Both Teams
The match carries significant importance for both teams, with Chelsea needing a win to guarantee a top-five finish and Champions League qualification. Nottingham Forest, on the other hand, could leapfrog Chelsea with a victory, but their European fate also depends on other results.
Merson’s Cautionary Note for Forest
Despite backing Nottingham Forest to win, Merson warned that even a victory might not secure their place in the top five. He noted, “The unfortunate thing is, even if Forest win, they may not finish inside the top five! There’s always drama on the final day, and this fixture could deliver it. Forest could win, but I don’t expect other results to go their way.”
Team News and Injuries
Nottingham Forest will be without star striker Taiwo Awoniyi due to injury, while Chelsea will miss forward Nicolas Jackson and winger Mykhailo Mudryk due to suspensions. However, Chelsea welcomes back Jadon Sancho, who returns to the squad after missing their previous match.
The Battle for European Qualification
As the Premier League season reaches its climax, both teams will be fighting for European qualification. Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, needs to overcome their away demons to secure a top-five spot, while Nottingham Forest will rely on their strong home record to fuel their push for a fairytale finish.
The Final Showdown
The match is set to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams having a lot to play for. Will Chelsea defy Merson’s prediction and secure Champions League football, or will Nottingham Forest’s resilient home form deliver a stunning upset? The outcome remains to be seen, as the drama unfolds on Sunday at 4 PM BST.
