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

Evening Standard

·25 May 2025

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

Reshuffle in attack for the Blues in decisive showdown

Chelsea have Pedro Neto up front as they plot Champions League qualification in a huge clash with Nottingham Forest today.

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.

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

Christopher Nkunku has been sidelined for the last month with what was said to be a minor injury and was supposed to return here, but is not in the squad.

Marc Guiu has not featured since the home win over West Ham on transfer deadline day at the start of February and he does make the bench here.

Maresca a choice between persisting with academy graduate Tyrique George up top or turning to Neto, and he has opted for the latter.

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.

Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Tosin, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Neto.

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

Venue: City Ground, Nottingham

TV channel: Sky Sports