Nottingham Forest v Chelsea LIVE: Jadon Sancho starts in crucial clash for Champions League places | OneFootball

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'Kevin De Bruyne crescent' - City tribute to departing star

A thrilling finale to the Premier League looks set to be in store as the chase for Champions League places is decided in a dramatic denouement to the season.

While the title has long since been wrapped up by Liverpool and the relegated trio were condemned to their fate weeks ago, a hectic scramble between five clubs for three qualification spots ensures a nerve-jangling end to the season. Manchester City, Newcastle and Chelsea begin the day occupying third, fourth and fifth and know that a win will be enough to book their spot in the top tier of continental competition next season.

Lurking with intent, though, are Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest — who host Enzo Maresca’s side at the City Ground in a crucial final fixture that could well swing things their way. Villa, meanwhile, take on a Manchester United side reeling from Europa League final defeat, while Manchester City are at Fulham and Newcastle welcome Everton to Tyneside.

How can Villa earn Champions League football?

Aston Villa will secure Champions League qualification if they win and either Manchester City lose or Newcastle or Chelsea fail to win. A Villa draw would be enough if Newcastle lose.

Unai Emery's side have earned an unrivalled 24 points since the beginning of March, winning eight of their nine Premier League matches during that period.

Mike Jones25 May 2025 15:10

Man Utd vs Aston Villa line-ups

Man Utd XI:

Aston Villa XI:

Mike Jones25 May 2025 14:52

Fulham vs Man City line-ups

Fulham XI:

Man City XI:

Mike Jones25 May 2025 14:51

Nottingham Forest vs Chelsea line-ups

Nottingham Forest XI: Sels: Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams; Dominguez, Sangare, Anderson; Gibbs-White; Wood, Elanga

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Neto

Mike Jones25 May 2025 14:46

Why a unique Premier League final day will be more interesting than it might appear

If the 2024-25 season won’t exactly stand out in history, it will finish with one genuinely unique element.

There have never been so many clubs going for Champions League qualification on the final day. It has admittedly become a bit more than “the battle for fifth”, as it has occasionally been derided.

Instead, five clubs are going for three places, with two of them – Nottingham Forest and Chelsea – directly facing off.

Miguel Delaney25 May 2025 14:37