Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Nottingham Forest
This fixture had been highlighted well in advance of the season’s conclusion, with many expecting it to influence the final standings. Few, however, predicted it would carry such weight. Nottingham Forest have allowed the situation to slip from their full control. In addition to securing a win here, they now need one of the teams above them to drop points. Their chances of determining their own fate were squandered in previous rounds. Before their away victory over West Ham United, Nottingham Forest had dropped nearly every available point across four straight matches. They even failed to beat Leicester City, who no longer had anything to play for. That result triggered serious discussions at all levels of the club, and everyone is now fully aware of what is at stake.
Chelsea
Despite winning four of their last five matches, Chelsea have left the door open for Nottingham Forest and complicated their own situation. Chelsea missed the chance to make it five straight wins, losing 0:1 at St James’ Park to Newcastle United. Of the four teams that Chelsea managed to beat, only Fulham had any real incentive — and even that was marginal. Chelsea’s Champions League hopes have always appeared the most fragile among the chasing pack.
Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea Prediction
Chelsea will fight as hard as Nottingham Forest, but the win over Manchester United was largely down to an intelligent link-up between full-backs Reece James and Marc Cucurella. The absence of suspended first-choice striker Nicolas Jackson will still be felt. While backing Nottingham Forest may seem counterintuitive given their position in the standings, Leicester City once defied all expectations to win the Premier League — and so, yes, we are taking a risk by standing with the hosts. Nottingham Forest have come too far to let it all slip away now. At the very least, Nottingham Forest must complete their minimum objective and hope for a twist elsewhere.
