Chelsea XI vs Nottingham Forest: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League today | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca must get huge call right for City Ground showdown in final-day battle for Champions League place

The Blues are masters of their own destiny heading into the final weekend of the Premier League season, knowing victory will see them secure a top-five finish and a return to Europe’s premier club competition. Anything less, however, will leave them relying on results elsewhere.

Manager Enzo Maresca will once again have to do without first-choice striker Nicolas Jackson, who is still suspended following his straight red card against Newcastle a fortnight ago.

The Italian is, however, boosted by the returns of Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu. Nkunku has been sidelined for the last month with what was said to be a minor injury, while Guiu has not featured since the home win over West Ham on transfer deadline day at the start of February.

While Maresca confirmed that both players are available to play some part at the City Ground, he seems unlikely to throw either straight into his starting lineup.

He therefore faces a choice between persisting with academy graduate Tyrique George up top, or perhaps turning to Pedro Neto.

George was ineffective in last week’s home win over Manchester United and the return of Jadon Sancho - who was ineligible to face his parent club in that game - gives Maresca the chance to move Neto to No9, where he impressed as Jackson’s deputy earlier in the season.

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

Injured: Fofana, Anselmino, Kellyman

Suspended: Jackson

Unavailable: Mudryk

Time and date: 4pm BST on Sunday May 25, 2025

Venue: City Ground, Nottingham

TV channel: Sky Sports