Chelsea’s fate for the 2024/25 season will come down to the final 90 minutes of the campaign when they face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
The Blues are well aware that a win will see them qualify for the Champions League and finish in the top five for the first time since Todd Boehly and co took over the club.
Not everyone is positive in their predictions for Chelsea on the final day of the season. Gary Neville thinks Chelsea will drop points and ultimately miss out on their goal of reaching the Champions League.
Jamie Redknapp is worried about Chelsea too, with him believing they have the hardest fixture of the sides who are all pushing for a top five finish.
Jamie Carragher calls out Chelsea squad as he predicts Champions League places
The Blues could drop down as low as the Conference League places when the fixtures are done, and they will need to produce one of their best displays of the campaign to beat a strong Forest side.
Jamie Carragher has been scathing of Chelsea’s chances, and believes they don’t have the character to win in what will be a difficult away atmosphere.
He told Sky Sports Premier League: “I think Chelsea and Nottingham Forest might both miss out. I can see that being a draw at the weekend. I think the atmosphere there is going to be electric, and Nottingham Forest deserve that.
“I’m not sure Chelsea have got the character and personality to go there and win. I think Villa and City will go in.”
Maresca’s selection headache
One thing that was clearly missing from the big win against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge was the presence of a natural number nine.
Nicolas Jackson will again be suspended due to his red card against Newcastle, and Tyrique George did not have his best game in his first Premier League start last time out.
Maresca will be hoping Marc Guiu is fit again after not featuring since February. Forest’s centre-backs will pose a physical challenge for whoever starts up front.
The boss will also have to make a decision over whether to bring Romeo Lavia back into the starting side. He was a substitute for the win against United.
