Nottingham Forest face Chelsea today, hoping to finish the season with a flourish and guarantee Europa League football at the very worst.
Forest could actually finish the day in the top five and claim a place in next season’s Champions League, although Forest need to win and hope Aston Villa or Newcastle drop points in their games.
Nuno Espirito Santo has a doubt over Murillo. The Brazilian player is sweating on the fitness of the player who picked up an ankle problem during last weekend’s 2-1 win over West Ham.
Whoever plays, however, will be ready for one last dance on the 2024/25 campaign as Forest look to cap a fine season with a big win on home soil at the City Ground.
Photo by Jon Hobley | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Jon Hobley | MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Nottingham Forest predicted XI to play Chelsea
Nottingham Forest rearguard
Matz Sels is in pursuit of the Golden Glove, and he will be desperate to finish the job today and at least guarantee himself a tie with Arsenal star David Raya.
At the back, much will depend on the fitness of centre-back Murillo. If he’s fit, he will partner Nikola Milenkovic; if he’s not, the nod will likely be given to another Brazilian with Morato taking his place.
At full-back, there is no need for panic, with Ola Aina at right-back and Neco Williams at left-back, two of the most reliable and dependable performers during the current campaign.
The Nottingham Forest engine room
It’s hoped that Forest will give everything today on Trentside to try and cross the line and guarantee a place in next season’s Europa League, without needing to rely on Chelsea winning the Conference League on Wednesday night.
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Espirito Santo will likely go back to a 4-2-3-1, and although he’s been brilliant of late, perhaps Ibrahim Sangare will come out of the team despite his exceptional form in recent weeks.
Elliot Anderson and Nicolas Dominguez have been standout performers and together they have made a formidable midfield pairing which should be capable of producing the goods against Chelsea.
Leading the Forest line
Chris Wood is on 20 goals for the current campaign and as a result, he will definitely get the nod to start today, with Taiwo Awoniyi still out injured after colliding with a post against Leicester.
Behind him, it would appear that Forest will be able to go full strength, with Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White playing on the right and as the number 10, respectively.
They will be joined by Callum Hudson-Odoi who returned to action last weekend when he stepped off the bench to help Forest beat West Ham at the London Stadium.
Forest predicted XI vs Chelsea by GRV Media
Forest predicted XI vs Chelsea by GRV Media
Also in contention
Carlos Miguel will provide cover for Sels between the posts, with Willy Boly, Zach Abbott and Harry Toffolo likely to compete for the defensive places on the bench.
In midfield, Ryan Yates will naturally be included among the substitutes, whilst Sangare will also be joined by Danilo among the subs.
Ramon Sosa and Jota Silva will once again provide cover for the flanks as Forest chase down a big victory over the Blues.