Frank Christian
This Sunday, Nottingham Forest faces Chelsea in what could be the most crucial match on the final day of the Premier League.
Both teams are close in the standings, separated by only one point and two spots, giving them a chance to earn a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League depending on today’s results.
While outside outcomes will influence their opportunities, this match essentially serves as a direct contest for a top-five placement, with emotions and tension likely running high.
The Sporting News will be covering the Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea match live, providing updates on the score and commentary
JUMP TO: Latest live updates | What each team needs for UCL qualification | Viewing options in your area
Score: Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea
| Before kickoff | Goal scorers | |
| Nottingham Forest | — | |
| Chelsea | — |
Location: The City Ground, West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire
Referee: Anthony Taylor
Follow every match and goal with SN’s live Premier League scoreboard
Starting Lineups:
Nottingham Forest (4-3-2-1, left to right): 26. Mats Sels (GK) — 34. Ola Aina, 31. Nikola Milenkovic, 5. Murillo, 7. Neco Williams — 16. Nicolas Dominguez, 6. Ibrahim Sangare, 8. Elliot Anderson — 10. Morgan Gibbs-White, 21. Anthony Elanga — 11. Chris Wood
Chelsea (4-2-3-1, left to right): 1. Robert Sanchez (GK) — 24. Reece James, 4. Tosin Adarabioyo, 6. Levi Colwill, 3. Marc Cucurella — 8. Enzo Fernandez, 25. Moises Caicedo — 19. Jadon Sancho, 20. Cole Palmer, 11. Noni Madueke — 7. Pedro Neto
Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea live updates, highlights, and commentary
45 minutes before kickoff: Viewers in the UK will notice that Sky Sports is not at the City Ground for today’s match. This change happened after Forest denied accreditation to Gary Neville, creating a bit of controversy. Neville, known for speaking his mind, criticized the actions of Forest’s owner, Evangelos Marinakis, for confronting Nuno after a recent 2-2 draw with Leicester. The entire situation has been somewhat unpleasant for a respected club like Forest.
1 hour 5 minutes before kickoff: Here’s the Nottingham Forest lineup, unchanged from their victory against West Ham, which means Sangare will add some strength to the midfield. Consequently, former Chelsea player Callum Hudson-Odoi finds himself on the bench today.
Here’s your final Forest XI of the season! pic.twitter.com/1mk9xCUh0J
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 25, 2025
1 hour 15 minutes before kickoff: Let’s now turn to the visiting team. Jadon Sancho takes the field today, potentially for the last time with Chelsea.
Here’s your team news for the last day. Go Blues! #CFC | #NFOCHE pic.twitter.com/zCCDxd5Gtf
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 25, 2025
1 hour 30 minutes before kickoff: Forest’s season under Nuno Espirito Santo has been remarkable, although they seem to be losing momentum recently. Their last victory, a 2-1 win over West Ham, was just their second win in the previous seven league matches, which also included an FA Cup semifinal elimination. A vibrant City Ground is sure to give them the lift they need for one last push.
Getty Images
1 hour 45 minutes before kickoff: For Chelsea, the task is straightforward: a win means a return to the Champions League. However, this will be a challenge, considering Forest’s strong season. In fact, Chelsea has struggled on the road, managing only one away victory since a thrilling 4-3 match against Tottenham back on December 8. Their away record since stands at one win, three draws, and six losses in ten games.
2 hours before kickoff: It all boils down to this. After 37 matchdays, the battle for a UEFA Champions League spot reaches its climax. Anyone feeling the pressure?
Last match of the season. pic.twitter.com/kvuczofEhR
— Nottingham Forest (@NFFC) May 24, 2025
Kickoff time for Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea
This Premier League match will start in Nottinghamshire, UK at 4 p.m. local time.
Here’s the translation of that kickoff time for various key regions:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA/Canada | Sun, May 25 | 11:00 a.m. ET |
| USA/Canada | Sun, May 25 | 8:00 a.m. PT |
| UK | Sun, May 25 | 4:00 p.m. BST |
| Australia | Mon, May 26 | 1:00 a.m. AEDT |
| India | Sun, May 25 | 8:30 p.m. IST |
UCL scenarios: Requirements for Forest and Chelsea
This match serves as a direct contest for a spot in the upcoming UEFA Champions League. Chelsea enters in fifth place, the last qualifying position, while Forest trails just one point behind in seventh.
If Nottingham Forest clinches victory:
They would accumulate 68 points, thereby securing at least a
To secure a place in the top six, they must also rely on one of Manchester City, Newcastle United, or Aston Villa dropping points to achieve a top-five finish.
Scenario if Chelsea wins:
With a victory, Chelsea will reach 69 points, guaranteeing them a top-five finish, unless Aston Villa manages an unlikely comeback in goal difference.
Scenario if the match is a draw:
Chelsea would finish with 67 points, while Nottingham Forest would end with 66. Their final league rankings will then depend on the outcomes of other matches:
- If Newcastle United loses OR if Aston Villa cannot secure a win, Chelsea will place in the top five.
- Should Aston Villa lose, Nottingham Forest will take the sixth spot. Furthermore, if Aston Villa loses AND Newcastle faces a highly improbable defeat by a heavy margin (for example, 10-0), Forest would secure fifth place.
Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea live stream and channel information
This is how you can watch the game across several major regions:
| Region | TV Channel | Streaming Services |
| USA | USA Network, Universo | Fubo, NBC Sports site/app, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, Universo NOW |
| Canada | — | Fubo |
| UK | Sky Sports Main Event | Sky Go, NOW TV |
| Australia | — | Optus Sport |
| India | — | Disney+ Hotstar, JioCinema |
