Chelsea are set to wrap up their Premier League season with a crucial clash at the City Ground on Sunday, taking on Nottingham Forest in a match that could prove pivotal in the battle for a Champions League spot.
Chelsea has a far superior goal differential than Unai Emery's Aston Villa, and a victory would effectively put the Blues in the top five and guarantee them a spot in the Champions League the next season. The Blues are on 66 points heading into the last matchday.
Enzo Maresca's Blues are travelling to City Ground on the back of a 1-0 win over Manchester United that saw Marc Cucurella get on the scoresheet. Despite their mid-season lull, their last five games have seen them fight back in fashion as they have taken four wins with their only loss in the period coming against Newcastle United on May 11.
Nottingham Forest have had a horrendous final part of the Premier League season as Nuno Espirito Santo's side went from being third in the standings to all the way down in seventh. They held the third spot on the standings all the way from Matchday 16 to Matchday 29 before their slump in form has all but put them out of the race for the Champions League.
Last weekend saw Forest grab their first win in five games as they beat West Ham in a tightly contested 2-1 win at London Stadium. If Espirito Santo's side want to play Champions League football next season, they will have to beat Chelsea on Sunday and hope that both Aston Villa and Newcastle United lose their ties.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.
Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea live stream, TV channel
Here's how to watch this Premier League match in the U.S.:
TV channel: USA Network
Live stream: Fubo
This game is available for live TV broadcast on USA Network in the US. Streaming options are available on Fubo.
Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and 200+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)
What time does Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea kick off?
This Premier League clash takes place at the City Ground in Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom and kicks off on Sunday, May 25 at 4:00 p.m. local time (BST).
Here's how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sun, May 25 | 11:00 a.m. |
| Central Time | Sun, May 25 | 10:00 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sun, May 25 | 9:00 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sun, May 25 | 8:00 a.m. |
Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea predicted lineups, team news
Nottingham Forest are set to be without the services of Taiwo Awoniyi (stomach) after the striker picked up an injury in their controversial 2-2 draw with Leicester City and was placed in an induced coma after an emergency surgery.
Meanwhile, Murillo (thigh) and Eric da Silva Moreira (ankle) are expected to return to action after having recovered in time for the final and the former could start the clash for Espirito Santo's side.
Nottingham Forest predicted lineup (4-3-2-1, right to left): Sels (GK) — Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams — Dominguez, Sangare, Anderson — Gibbs-White, Elanga — Wood.
Injured: Awonyi (stomach).
Suspended: None.
Nicolas Jackson is serving a three-match ban for the red card he received at Newcastle United earlier this month, and his absence will be a massive hindrance to Chelsea's chances.
Christopher Nkunku is also a doubt after missing last week's victory over United, with Tyrique George filling in through the middle at Stamford Bridge. However, the German winger has returned to training with Maresca's squad. George will likely be a starter nonetheless, as Nkunku lacks match sharpness.
Wesley Fofana and Omari Kellyman are the only guaranteed absences as they work back from long-term injuries.
Chelsea predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Sanchez (GK) — James, Adarabioyo, Colwill, Cucurella — Fernandez, Caicedo — Neto, Palmer, Madueke — George.
Injured: Nkunku (knock, doubt), Guiu (hamstring, doubt), Fofana (hamstring), Kellyman (hamstring).
Suspended: Jackson (red card), Mudryk (doping violation).
Premier League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Sunday, May 25
- Liverpool vs. Crystal Palace (11:00 a.m.)
- Manchester United vs. Aston Villa (11:00 a.m.)
- Newcastle United vs. Everton (11:00 a.m.)
- Nottingham Forest vs. Chelsea (11:00 a.m.)
- Southampton vs. Arsenal (11:00 a.m.)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Brighton & Hove Albion (11:00 a.m.)
- AFC Bournemouth vs. Leicester City (11:00 a.m.)
- Wolves vs. Brentford (11:00 a.m.)
- Fulham vs. Man City (11:00 a.m.)
- Ipswich Town vs. West Ham United (11:00 a.m.)