Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has delivered a bombshell prediction ahead of Chelsea’s season-defining clash with Nottingham Forest, forecasting a 1-0 defeat for the Blues at the City Ground this Sunday.
The ex-Arsenal midfielder dismissed Chelsea’s chances of securing a critical away win, citing their dismal record against top-half teams on the road this campaign.
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Speaking candidly on Sportskeeda, Merson dissected Chelsea’s vulnerabilities:
“I don’t see Chelsea winning this game. They have lost all their away games against the top eight teams this season. For Chelsea to go to Nottingham Forest and get a win on the last day is a big challenge. Away from home, they haven’t been good enough.”
The match carries monumental stakes for both sides. Seventh-placed Forest trail sixth-placed Chelsea by just one point, with the Blues needing victory to guarantee a top-five finish and Champions League qualification. Forest, meanwhile, could leapfrog their rivals with a win but face agonizing uncertainty, as their European fate hinges on results elsewhere.
Merson’s Grim Caveat for Forest
Despite backing Steve Cooper’s side to triumph, Merson cautioned that even a home win might not secure Forest’s first Champions League berth in decades:
“The unfortunate thing is, even if Forest win, they may not finish inside the top five! There’s always drama on the final day, and this fixture could deliver it. Forest could win, but I don’t expect other results to go their way.”
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Forest’s resolve will be tested without star striker Taiwo Awoniyi, sidelined with injury, while Chelsea grapple with suspensions to forward Nicolas Jackson and winger Mykhailo Mudryk.
However, the Blues welcome back Jadon Sancho, who returns to the squad after missing their previous match.
The Battle for Europe
Under manager Enzo Maresca, Chelsea must conquer their away demons to clinch a top-five spot. A draw or loss could see them slump to sixth or seventh, contingent on outcomes for Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Forest, meanwhile, will lean on their formidable home record—having conceded just 15 goals at the City Ground all season—to fuel their fairytale push.
Final Word
As the Premier League season reaches its crescendo, all eyes will be on Nottingham. Will Chelsea defy Merson’s skepticism and secure Champions League football, or will Forest’s resilient home form deliver a seismic upset?
The drama unfolds Sunday at 4 PM BST.
