Palmer To Start, Garnacho On The Bench | 4-2-3-1 Chelsea Predicted Lineup Vs Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

Chelsea will entertain Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on Monday as they look to secure a good result in front of their home fans in the Premier League. The Blues managed to earn a solid 1-0 win over Leeds United in the FA Cup recently, which should keep them in good spirits going into this game.

The West London club will set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and are expected to make one change to their first-team for this clash. Cole Palmer could get the nod to play from the start of this game, while Alejandro Garnacho makes way for him and drops to the bench.

4-2-3-1 Chelsea Predicted Lineup To Face Nottingham Forest

Defence

Robert Sanchez will operate in between the sticks for the Blues after keeping a clean sheet in his last appearance. Trevoh Chalobah will play alongside Tosin Adarabioyo at the centre of the Chelsea backline as they look to keep a solid shape on the defensive third of the pitch.

Malo Gusto will try to prove his worth as the right-back, while Marc Cucurella looks to impress on the other flank as the left-back. Both of them will have to pick and choose their moments to join in on the attack.

Jorrel Hato and Wesley Fofana will provide cover for the defensive positions on the bench.

LONDON, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Chelsea and Leeds United at Wembley Stadium on April 26, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Midfield

Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia will operate as the holding midfielders for the Blues as they look to win the 50-50 battles at the centre of the park.

The talented trio of Pedro Neto, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer will function just ahead of them as part of the West London club’s frontline. All three of them need to combine well if the Blues are to secure all three points this Monday.

Andrey Santos and Alejandro Garnacho will have to be content with a spot on the bench as they await their opportunity to make an impact in the second 45 minutes if required.

Attack

Joao Pedro will lead the charge for the Blues up top. He has to find a way to cause a lot of headaches for the Nottingham centre-backs during the 90 minutes.

Liam Delap has to settle for a place on the bench and might come on to make an impact in the latter stages if needed.