Chelsea will welcome Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge for a Premier League clash on Monday, 4 May, with kick‑off scheduled for 3 p.m. UK time. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, and fans can also follow the action via the Sky Sports app, NOW streaming service, or the league's official match blog for live updates. This encounter marks Chelsea's first league appearance since their 21 April fixture, which turned out to be the final game overseen by manager Liam Rosenior.
The Blues are eager to snap a disheartening sequence of five consecutive defeats and to revive their hopes of securing a spot in European competition. In the most optimistic scenario—depending on how the Saturday and Sunday fixtures unfold—a victory on Monday could propel Chelsea back up to sixth place in the table, re‑opening the door to Europa League qualification.
Interim manager Calum McFarlane, who stepped in after Rosenior's departure, will be at the helm for his second spell in charge this season. McFarlane guided the team to a morale‑boosting win in the FA Cup semi‑final against Leeds United at Wembley last weekend, giving the squad a much‑needed lift ahead of the league showdown. On the other side, Nottingham Forest have significantly improved their chances of avoiding relegation over the past two months.
Under the guidance of Vítor Pereira, Forest have remained unbeaten in the Premier League since 4 March, recording three wins and three draws in their last six outings. As a result, they sit five points clear of the drop zone with four games remaining, making every point crucial in the run‑in to the season's end. Forest also have a European commitment looming, having taken a 1‑0 lead over Aston Villa in the first leg of the Europa League final at the City Ground. Balancing the domestic survival battle with a continental final adds an extra layer of intrigue to their Monday fixture against Chelsea.
The two sides last met in October, when Chelsea delivered a convincing 3‑0 victory thanks to goals from Josh Acheampong, Pedro Neto and Reece James. That result will serve as a benchmark for the Blues as they look to repeat their attacking efficiency, while Forest will be keen to turn the tables and claim a vital three points.
For viewers, Sky Sports customers can watch the match on Sky Sports Main Event and the dedicated Premier League channel from 2:30 p.m., with the option to stream via the Sky Sports app. Those without a Sky subscription can access the game through NOW TV, either by purchasing a day pass or a month‑long, contract‑free membership.
NOW TV provides instant streaming to over 60 devices and includes all twelve Sky Sports channels as well as Sky Sports+ streams. Sky Sports also offers a range of supplemental content: a live match blog for fans on the move, post‑match highlights available shortly after full‑time, and a WhatsApp service delivering the latest sports news, videos, analysis and more. Subscribers can manage their Sky ID through the Sky iD help portal, and further details about NOW TV pricing and membership options are available on the Sky website.
In terms of player news, interim boss Calum McFarlane hinted that both Reece James and Levi Colwill could be back in the squad for Monday's game. James has been sidelined since mid‑March with a hamstring injury, while Colwill missed the entire season after suffering an ACL rupture during pre‑season. Both are now reportedly training at full intensity, raising hopes that they may feature. Forest will conduct final fitness checks on several of their own players before kick‑off.
Murillo (hamstring), Dan Ndoye (knock), Jair Cunha (shoulder) and Ibrahim Sangaré (undisclosed) are all awaiting clearance, whereas Callum Hudson‑Odoi (thigh) has been ruled out for the match. One player to watch is Forest’s midfield dynamo Morgan Gibbs‑White, who has been in scintillating form, scoring seven goals in his last seven Premier League appearances. His confidence is soaring, and he has become a focal point of the Forest attack, with odds of 100/30 on Sky Bet reflecting his goal‑scoring threat.
Gibbs‑White’s performances could also strengthen his case for inclusion in England’s World Cup squad, adding extra motivation to his already high output. Analysts have predicted a high‑scoring encounter, with a 2‑2 scoreline often cited as a plausible result, given both teams’ offensive capabilities and defensive frailties. Chelsea will look to re‑ignite their creative flair through the likes of James, Neto and new signings, while Forest will rely on the momentum built from their unbeaten run and the clinical edge of Gibbs‑White. In summary, the Monday showdown offers plenty of storylines: Chelsea’s quest to halt a losing streak and climb back into European contention, Forest’s fight for survival coupled with a Europa League final, and the individual battles of players returning from injury or seeking to cement their places.
Fans can tune in via Sky Sports, the Sky Sports app, NOW TV, or follow the live blog for real‑time updates. The match promises excitement, drama and potentially a flurry of goals as both sides strive for a crucial win to finish the season on a high note.