4-4-1-1 Chelsea predicted XI against Nottingham Forest

Chelsea host Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea face a massive test of character when they welcome Nottingham Forest to Stamford Bridge on 4 May 2026. This fixture feels particularly tense for the Blues, who are currently spiralling after five straight Premier League losses without scoring, a run that has put the club under intense pressure.

Chelsea are currently in eighth place on 48 points, though the hope of securing European football remains a major factor heading into this game.

Chelsea’s predicted starting XI against Forest

Robert Sánchez is expected to start in goal, keeping his spot as the preferred option while Filip Jörgensen remains out. Malo Gusto should take the right-back position to provide some much-needed pace and width. In the centre, Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah are the likely defensive duo, with Jorrel Hato filling in at left-back as Levi Colwill continues his spell on the sidelines.

The midfield and forward selection

In midfield, Roméo Lavia and Moisés Caicedo will likely sit at the base of the formation to provide defensive cover and keep the ball moving. Pedro Neto is set to start on the right, where he will be expected to press high and stretch the Forest defence, while Marc Cucurella handles the left side. Enzo Fernández will probably play in a more advanced role just behind the striker, using his vision to try to unlock what will likely be a very crowded defensive line.

Up front, the goal-scoring burden falls on Liam Delap, who has been in decent form lately. Chelsea’s options are thin, however; Mykhaylo Mudryk is out on suspension, and the injury list still includes Reece James, Estêvão, and Jamie Gittens.

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What do Chelsea need against a confident Forest?

Forest arrive in London full of confidence, having gone unbeaten in their last six matches. That run includes impressive draws against Manchester City and Aston Villa, plus a clinical 5-0 thrashing of Sunderland. Meanwhile, Chelsea haven’t kept a clean sheet in 12 straight league games. The pressure is on the home side to find some spark in attack and finally give the Stamford Bridge crowd a reason to cheer.

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Chelsea (4-4-1-1): Robert Sánchez – Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah, Jorrel Hato – Pedro Neto, Roméo Lavia, Moisés Caicedo, Marc Cucurella – Enzo Fernández – Liam Delap.