Paul Merson has tipped Nottingham Forest to beat Chelsea 1-0 in their Premier League title-decider at the City Ground this Sunday. He spoke about how difficult the Blues will find it to get a win on the final day.
Speaking on Sportskeeda, the ex-Arsenal midfielder pointed to the Blues’ woeful away record against top-eight sides this season. He said:
“I don’t see Chelsea winning this game. They have lost all their away games against the top eight teams this season. So for Chelsea to go to Nottingham Forest and get a win on the last day of the season is a big challenge in my opinion. Away from home, they haven’t been good enough.”
The game is important to both sides in the battle for European qualification. Seventh-placed Nottingham Forest are behind Chelsea by only a point. Winning would propel them above the Blues and potentially even gain them a Champions League place, depending on other results.
But Merson warned that even if they win, qualification for Forest cannot be assured:
“The rather unfortunate thing here is that even if Forest win this game, they may not finish inside the top five! There is always plenty of drama on the final day of the season and I feel like this fixture could give us something similar. Forest could get the win, but I don’t expect other results to go in their favour in the race to qualify for the Champions League.”
Chelsea and Nottingham Forest in Champions League Qualification Decider
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, require a victory to finish in the top five and earn a Champions League spot. A loss or a draw would have them finishing sixth or seventh, depending on the performance of Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Forest’s better home record, with only 15 goals conceded at the City Ground this season, will carry weight. But they will be missing on key striker Taiwo Awoniyi through injury.
The Blues will be missing Nicolas Jackson, who is suspended, and Mykhailo Mudryk, who is also out. Jadon Sancho returns to the squad after missing the last match.