“I am expecting” – Chris Sutton makes prediction for Chelsea’s showdown with Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

Chelsea face Nottingham Forest in a Champions League showdown at the City Ground on Sunday and former Blue Chris Sutton has given his prediction.

The Blues head into the final day in the fifth and final Champions League spot knowing victory will guarantee them a return to Europe’s Premier club competition.

Liverpool and Arsenal have already qualified, but Chelsea, Forest, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Manchester City are all in with a chance, but only three of the five will make it.

Sutton gives Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea prediction

Chelsea don’t have the best record against Forest and have only beaten Nuno Espirito Santo’s side once since they got promoted back to the Premier League in 2022.

That win was a 3-2 victory last season at the City Ground and the Blues would certainly take a repeat of that on Sunday.

Maresca is under pressure to deliver Champions League football. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

One concern for the Blues is their away record with Chelsea winning just once on the road in 2025, whilst they’ve failed to win a big game away from home all season.

Levi Colwill has spoken of the need to limit Forest’s threat on the counter attack, but former Blue Sutton feels his old club will miss out on the Champions League.

“Nothing against my old club Chelsea, but I’d love to go with my heart and say Nottingham Forest will beat them and finish in the top five, it’s just I don’t think either of those things will happen,” he told BBC Sport.

“The City Ground will be absolutely jumping, of course, but it was the same for Forest’s past three home league games, against Leicester, Brentford and Everton, and they only have one point to show for them, from their draw with the Foxes.

“Chelsea are probably going to need a win too, to finish above Aston Villa and stay in the top five, but I can see this ending in the result neither team wants, which is a draw.

“That was the result when they met at Stamford Bridge in October, in a game that saw a thrilling finish with chances at both ends. I am expecting more of the same here, with both sides ending up disappointed.

“Sutton’s prediction: 1-1.”

Nkunku and Guiu set to be available

Chelsea have been handed a major injury boost ahead of Sunday after Maresca confirmed both Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu would be available.

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The Blues are currently without a striker after Nicolas Jackson got sent off against Newcastle, and Tyrique George struggled last week against Manchester United.

Whilst both will likely be on the bench it’s a positive for Chelsea to have options at the top end of the pitch, and that could prove crucial on Sunday.