Football is back after a long international break, and this is one of the more difficult predicted XIs in a while.
For one, we know a lot of players are out. That means a lot of question marks over who Enzo Maresca will pick.
On top of that, there are also multiple players whose status is unclear. Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Pedro Neto [were all called a doubt](https://chelsea.news/2025/10/enzo-caicedo-neto-injuries-maresca/) for tomorrow by the manager. With that being said, let’s give it a go.
Chelsea’s most likely team to take on Nottingham Forest
-------------------------------------------------------
Chelsea’s team ahead of kick off against PSG. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
**Robert Sanchez** in goal we can all be confident about. **Marc Cucurella** played a decent bit for Spain in the break, but given all the disruption elsewhere, Maresca can’t afford to mix things up any more than is necessary. **Reece James** didn’t go with England, but is fully fit to play at right back.
Benoit Badiashile is out again, but **Wesley Fofana** and **Trevoh Chalobah** should return as a central defensive pair.
If Caicedo and Enzo aren’t risked, we could see **Romeo Lavia** and **Andrey Santos** as a double pivot. Then **Facundo Buonanotte** playing ahead of them.
**Joao Pedro** should be able to lead the line, and as it stands it looks like **Alejandro Garnacho** on the left. The right is tricky. If Neto is out, we’re not sure Estevao is ready for a start after flying back from Brazil duty in South East Asia.
Maresca’s versatile right backs to play key role
------------------------------------------------
We’re going to go out on a limb and say that **Malo Gusto** starts on the right wing, with Estevao coming on after 55 minutes or so to shake things up. Other alternatives include Jamie Gittens playing on the left and Garnacho switching to the right. Expect James to play multiple positions in this game as Maresca looks to compensate for missing players.