Chelsea have four matches remaining in the Premier League. They are currently sitting in ninth position, which isn’t ideal. The chances of Champions League qualification for next season are practically out of the equation.
Additionally, if the club doesn’t win the next few games, they won’t be able to participate in any European competition either. If for nothing else, they need to finish the season strong to restore some pride.
Anyway, Chelsea face Nottingham Forest next, and the importance of that game cannot be overstated. On both ends of the table.
Calum McFarlane will be the man in charge for the matchup. Here is a predicted Chelsea starting XI against Nottingham Forest.
Defence
Obviously, Robert Sanchez starts in goal. The heart of the defence will remain unchanged from Chelsea’s semi-final win against Leeds United. Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo are expected to start. Jorrel Hato and Wesley Fofana could feature in the later stages of the match.
For the right-back position, Malo Gusto will be the go-to option. He has been solid for the better part of the season, and there’s no reason for any new experiments there, especially with Reece James just returning to training.
As for the left-back, it’s a no-brainer with Marc Cucurella expected to start. The Spanish international is one of the best in his position, and his services will be essential against Nottngham Forest.
Midfield
Moises Caicedo will be included in the starting lineup in the defensive midfield position in all likelihood. There are a lot of options for his partner in that area. That said, we think McFarlane will hand Enzo Fernandez a deeper role against Forest and start him alongside the Ecuadorian international.
For the number 10 role, Cole Palmer might be handed a start. Although the Englishman has been poor by his standards throughout the campaign, he has the ability to provide crucial breakthroughs in important matches.
Attack
The left flank will probably see no change, with Alejandro Garnacho starting in that position. The same goes for the right flank, where Pedro Neto is expected to be given the green light. McFarlane barely has any options to switch things up on the wings. Both Estevao and Jamie Gittens are out injured right now.
Joao Pedro has been the primary striker for Chelsea throughout the season, and this matchup won’t be any different. The Brazilian has already scored 14 goals and provided eight assists in the Premier League. Fans would certainly hope that he adds to that tally against Forest. Liam Delap might come on later in the second half.
Chelsea Predicted XI
Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Neto, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro.
