Chelsea Starting XI vs Nottingham Forest: Predicted Lineup and Confirmed Team News | OneFootball

Chelsea’s Attacking Dilemma: Maresca’s Big Call Ahead of Pivotal Forest Showdown

Keywords: Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest, Chelsea predicted XI, Enzo Maresca, Champions League qualification, Premier League final day, Chelsea team news, Pedro Neto, Tyrique George, Nkunku return

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Top-Five Finish Within Reach

Chelsea’s season reaches its moment of truth on Sunday, as they travel to Nottingham Forest with a Champions League return in their sights. Three points at the City Ground would secure a top-five Premier League finish – and, with it, a coveted place in Europe’s elite competition. Anything short of victory, though, and the Blues will be nervously checking scores elsewhere.

After a campaign marked by transition and turbulence, Enzo Maresca’s side are finally hitting form at just the right moment. But with everything on the line, the Italian faces a selection conundrum in attack.

Maresca Without Jackson, but Options Return

Nicolas Jackson remains suspended following his red card against Newcastle, depriving Chelsea of their main goal threat. In his absence, Maresca turned to academy prospect Tyrique George against Manchester United last weekend – a 1-0 win that flattered the hosts. George, still raw at this level, struggled to influence proceedings.

The good news? Reinforcements have arrived.

Nkunku and Guiu: Timely Inclusions

Christopher Nkunku is back in the matchday squad after a month-long layoff with what the club insisted was a minor knock. Meanwhile, 18-year-old Marc Guiu, the January arrival from Barcelona, is also fit again after three months out.

Both offer intriguing options, but with neither fully match-fit, Maresca is expected to keep them on the bench – potential impact subs rather than starting solutions.

Who Leads the Line? George or Neto?

This leaves Maresca with a critical decision: stick with Tyrique George or reposition Pedro Neto as a false nine.

Neto, who returns to the XI after being ineligible to face parent club Manchester United, thrived earlier in the season as Jackson’s deputy in a central role. His movement, intelligence, and link-up with Cole Palmer make him an appealing option.

Sancho’s return opens the door for Neto’s repositioning, with the ex-Dortmund winger slotting in wide left, Palmer central, and Madueke on the right – a fluid and threatening front three on paper.

Photo: IMAGO

Chelsea Predicted XI vs Nottingham Forest

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Goalkeeper: SanchezDefence: James, Chalobah, Colwill, CucurellaMidfield: Caicedo, FernandezAttack: Madueke, Palmer, SanchoStriker: Neto

Injured: Wesley Fofana, Anselmino, KellymanSuspended: Nicolas JacksonUnavailable: Mykhailo Mudryk

Kick-off Details📍 City Ground, Nottingham🗓 Sunday 25 May 2025🕓 4pm BST📺 Live on Sky Sports

Verdict

All eyes will be on Maresca’s front-line call. A bold move now could be the difference between Thursday nights and Tuesday nights next season. One thing is clear – Chelsea’s fate is in their own hands. Whether they grasp it or not may come down to who leads the line when the whistle blows.