Cole Palmer could be handed a new role to help solve Chelsea’s attacking crisis
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Enzo Maresca has a decision to make over who leads the Chelsea line as they host Manchester United in a crucial Premier League game on Friday night.
The Blues know that victories in their final two league games will secure a top-five finish at Champions League football next season.
However, they will be without first-choice striker Nicolas Jackson for both games following his red card in last weekend’s defeat at Newcastle.
Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu are also sidelined, meaning Maresca does not have a recognised striker at his disposal.
Pedro Neto appears likeliest to assume the role, having done so while Jackson was injured earlier this season. However, Maresca’s options are also limited out wide by the fact that Jadon Sancho is ineligible to feature against his parent club.
Alternatively, Chelsea could turn to youngster Tyrique George. The 19-year-old started both legs of the Conference League semi-final against Djurgarden but is unproven in the role at Premier League level.
Tyrique George is an option in attack for Chelsea against Manchester United
Action Images via Reuters
Using Cole Palmer as a false-nine is another option Maresca has floated in the past, while Neto’s use up-front could see the Englishman return to the wide role he played under Mauricio Pochettino for much of last season.
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That switch could see Enzo Fernandez pushed higher up the pitch, Moises Caicedo moved back into midfield and Reece James brought into the side at right-back.
Chelsea predicted XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia, Fernandez; Palmer, Neto, Madueke
Injured: Fofana, Nkunku, Guiu, Anselmino
Suspended: Jackson
Ineligible: Sancho
Unavailable: Mudryk
Time and date: 8.15pm BST on Friday May 16, 2025
How to watch: Sky Sports
Venue: Stamford Bridge