Former Liverpool star Jamie Redknapp has expressed concerns about Chelsea's chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League next season, highlighting their final match against Nottingham Forest as a significant hurdle.

Chelsea, currently sitting fourth in the Premier League table with 66 points from 37 matches, face a challenging away fixture against Nottingham Forest this Sunday. The Blues need a win to secure Champions League football for the next season.

"I think they have got the toughest game... to go to Forest [on the final Premier League matchday], that's a really difficult game," Redknapp told Sky Sports. "If they can get three points there, obviously they've given themselves Champions League football. It's going to be tight... anything can still happen."

Nottingham Forest, currently seventh with 65 points from the same number of games, are just one point behind Chelsea. Their recent 2-0 victory over West Ham United has significantly boosted their confidence and Champions League qualification hopes.

"[The Blues] are the team that I worry about the most, going to Forest," Redknapp added, emphasizing the difficulty of Chelsea's final fixture.

However, Redknapp also noted that even if Forest defeat Chelsea, it "doesn't guarantee they go into the Champions League," suggesting the competitive nature of the qualification race.

Chelsea's potential Champions League qualification would mark a significant improvement for Enzo Maresca's side, who finished sixth last season and are currently competing in the UEFA Europa Conference League. The Blues have already reached the final of that competition and will face Athletic Bilbao this Thursday.

In their most recent Premier League fixture, Chelsea secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, keeping their top-four aspirations alive heading into the final day of the season.