Chelsea predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest - Premier League

Chelsea have finally hit a purple patch of form in the closing stages of the season, with Nottingham Forest their next obstacle as they look to secure a European spot.

The Blues have won back-to-back London derbies against Tottenham and West Ham United to propel them up the table, but, more importantly, they have looked far more cohesive as a team in recent matches. With three games left to play this term, they still have a genuine chance of securing either Europa League or Europa Conference League football next season.

Injuries continue to decimate Mauricio Pochettino's squad but the Chelsea boss has started to welcome back some important players. With Nottingham Forest scrapping for Premier League survival though, a lively City Ground will prove a tough test for the Blues this Saturday.

Here is how Pochettino could line his side up.

Chelsea predicted lineup vs Nottingham Forest (4-2-3-1)

GK: Djordje Petrovic - With Robert Sanchez having been frequently sidelined this season, Petrovic has had the responsibility of the number one shirt. He's rarely disappointed despite being regularly called into action.

RB: Malo Gusto - Chelsea have kept successive clean sheets, a rare occurrence for the Blues this season, but the talented Gusto should disrupt the backline with his return this weekend. The right-back made a small cameo at Stamford Bridge last time out after a minor injury problem.

CB: Axel Disasi - Similarly to his compatriot Gusto, summer recruit Disasi made a brief outing against West Ham last Sunday after some fitness issues. The centre-back could replace the departing Thiago Silva in the backline.

CB: Trevoh Chalobah - The academy product has been one of Chelsea's more impressive starters in recent weeks and he could move back to a central position this weekend after playing at right-back against West Ham.

LB: Marc Cucurella - His new inverted role has brought the best out of him in recent games. Heck, it may have even saved his Chelsea career.

CM: Moises Caicedo - It's rare for Caicedo not to start at the base of midfield, especially now that Enzo Fernandez is out for the season. The summer signing even produced a rare assist against the Hammers as his confidence grows.

CM: Conor Gallagher - Another Cobham graduate, Gallagher has been in startling form lately. Two goals and an assist in his last three outings, sinking into a deeper box-to-box role has helped smoothen out his rough edges.

RM: Noni Madueke - The fleet-footed winger has dazzled recently and was on the scoresheet once again last weekend. His fantastic form has even forced Cole Palmer into an attacking midfield role.

AM: Cole Palmer - Will start. Will cause Nottingham Forest's midfield and defence all manner of problems. Will probably score.

LM: Mykhailo Mudryk - Even the much-maligned Mudryk has been improved over the past few matches, although he still lacks that killer instinct in the final third.

ST: Nicolas Jackson - For a man lambasted by the media and supporters for much of the season, Jackson now has 13 goals and five assists in his debut Premier League campaign - with four of those goal contributions coming in the last two matches.

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