Chelsea XI vs Nottingham Forest: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injury latest for Premier League | OneFootball

Maresca has increased options in attack for pivotal final-day trip

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 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 Friday night’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

Suspended: Jackson

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

Venue: City Ground

TV channel: Sky Sports