Chelsea prepare to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in what is a huge clash for the Blues, as they look to bow out on a strong finish in the 2024/25 season.
Pressure is on the visitors to secure Champions League qualification - a target that Enzo Maresca has long described to be the aim this season. That is despite the Blues once looking like they were bound for a surprise title race with Liverpool.
Chelsea's recent run of form certainly sparks some positive momentum going into their last 'final'. Four wins in their last five league wins has helped bring some positivity back at Stamford Bridge.
However, their away form this season certainly calls for some cause for concern. Chelsea currently rank 11th in the league table when it comes to away form.
The reverse fixture saw Maresca's side grab a 1-1 draw back in October, with Noni Madueke getting on the scoresheet. Chelsea did in fact win, at the City Ground last season. Albeit under previous manager Mauricio Pochettino, against a less cohesive Forest side.
It's the penultimate encounter between both sides. Can Chelsea achieve Champions League qualification by causing an away-day upset, or will Nuno Espirito Santo's side be the ones smiling come full-time?
Here are three factors that call for consideration, ahead of what should be a tasty encounter.
Physicality has been a ever-present issue for Chelsea over the years. That's despite currently boasting the likes of Moises Caicedo who has undoubtedly been immense this season.
However, Chelsea's midfield has often been overrun and imbalanced on-the-ball this season. Romeo Lavia's return from injury has certainly helped bring defensive balance to the side - holding his position and freeing up his partner to roam ever so slightly.
However the question is - can both Romeo Lavia and Reece James start? Forest's setup last time out against West Ham included three midfielders, all of which excel in physical areas. Most notably, Ibrahim Sangare.
If Chelsea are to get a strong foothold early on away at the City Ground, they will certainly need to be dominant technically and physically aerially, and in ground duels.
The Blues look a much more balanced side with Lavia in, and James certainly brings class on-the-ball too.
Nicolas Jackson's red card against Newcastle in the 2-0 defeat was a huge blow. Despite Jackson currently lacking that clinical touch in front of goal, his ability to linkup and hold the ball up was always a useful outlet to help create chances.
Pedro Neto at 'false 9' has looked promising at times, especially away at Aston Villa despite Chelsea losing that day. The fluidity was quite lacking with Tyrique George playing centrally against Manchester United.
Another option could be Cole Palmer playing as the 'false 9', with Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto as the runners on either side. Christopher Nkunku meanwhile, has struggled to look the part as a pressing forward.
Whatever Maresca ends up going with, Chelsea fans will be expecting to see an attack with fluidity and potency in front of goal. The loss of Jackson may well cost Chelsea top four, if the balance isn't right.
Look to dominate possession or play on the counter?
While Enzo Maresca has grown to hold a reputation of playing possession-based football (as at Leicester City too), some have argued that majority of Chelsea's best games this season have come from playing deep and on the counter.
That's not to say the Blues haven't shown the capability to hurt opposition by dominating possession. Arne Slot has often named Chelsea as the toughest opposition this season, when Chelsea dominated at Anfield despite coming out on the losing side.
The momentum of the game, considering the atmosphere at the City Ground may well force Chelsea to play on the counter. If anything, it would certainly test Forest's ability to break down a compact mid-low block. Especially at a time where The Garibaldis haven't exactly looked so convincing.