Nottingham Forest predicted XI for Chelsea decider as Nuno faces key dilemma

Latest Nottingham Forest news as Nuno Espirito Santo’s Reds prepare for crunch Premier League clash with Chelsea

It has all come down to this for Nottingham Forest, a final-day decider with Chelsea at the City Ground.

The Reds are already guaranteed European football of some form and can finish no lower than seventh in the Premier League table. But Champions League qualification is the prize they really want.

Securing a spot at Europe’s top table is still a possibility for Forest, but their fate is not in their own hands. They need to do their bit by beating the Blues on Sunday (4pm kick-off) but also require other results to go their way to finish in the top five.

Victory would put the Reds on 68 points and take them above their opponents. But to go above another team, they need either Aston Villa to not beat Manchester United (to finish on 66 or 67 points) or Newcastle United not to triumph over Everton (to also end up on 66 or 67 points).

There is a scenario where Forest could finish as one of three teams on 66 points if they draw. However, in that instance, they would almost certainly finish in sixth on goal difference.

Head coach Nuno Espirito Santo’s main focus going into the weekend will be to set his team up to win. Whatever happens, it has been an incredible campaign for the Reds and they will want to sign off in style.