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A top-five Premier League finish looks increasingly unlikely for Chelsea, yet Aston Villa's recent poor run of form presents an alternative path into the Champions League.
Should Villa end up in fifth place while claiming the Europa League title—they currently trail 1–0 from the semifinal first leg against Nottingham Forest—the additional Champions League berth would pass down to the sixth-placed side. Chelsea still need to close the gap but sit just four points back ahead of Monday's clash with Forest.
Interim manager Calum McFarlane is dealing with a few injury concerns, though spirits are high following the FA Cup semifinal win over Leeds United, and there is plenty of confidence around Stamford Bridge going into this fixture.
Here's how Chelsea could line up.
Big Names Could Be Back on the Bench
Chelsea have no new injury concerns, though they continue to be without Estêvão, Jamie Gittens, and reserve goalkeeper Filip Jörgensen.
The most notable difference from the Leeds fixture, however, could come on the substitutes' bench. McFarlane has confirmed that captain Reece James is pushing for a return after six weeks sidelined with a hamstring problem, while supporters may also see star centre-back Levi Colwill make his comeback following the serious ACL injury he suffered during preseason.
"Both are looking promising," McFarlane said regarding the duo's potential involvement on Monday. "We're taking it day by day. Levi has had a lengthy injury. Reece had a good run and then got injured again, so we don't want to rush things."
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Nottingham Forest
GK: Robert Sánchez—A return to a more straightforward system could suit Sánchez, who was producing some of the finest performances of his career prior to Liam Rosenior's arrival in January.
RB: Malo Gusto—If James is passed fit, he will likely start from the bench, allowing Gusto to retain his place at right back.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah—No Chelsea defender has logged more minutes this season than Chalobah, who has earned the confidence of every manager to have sat in the Stamford Bridge dugout.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo—McFarlane made the bold decision to drop Wesley Fofana in favour of Tosin against Leeds. With no compelling reason to reverse that call and restore a player whose form deteriorated sharply under Rosenior, the change looks set to stick.
LB: Marc Cucurella—Jorrel Hato has been among Chelsea's standout performers in 2026, but with the stakes rising, McFarlane is expected to lean on the more experienced Cucurella.
DM: Moisés Caicedo—Another player who could thrive with greater stability in the middle of the park. Chelsea supporters will be eager to see Caicedo rediscover his commanding best form.
DM: Roméo Lavia—The second midfield slot remains the biggest selection dilemma. Andrey Santos's well-rounded game may make him a stronger option as the match progresses, but McFarlane will hope Lavia's technical quality on the ball helps build an early advantage.
RM: Cole Palmer—McFarlane spoke glowingly of Palmer in the pre-match build-up and will be counting on him to rediscover top form, which could prove crucial for England heading into this summer's World Cup.
AM: Enzo Fernández—The Argentine seems most effective in an advanced role, where his ability to arrive late into the box and contribute goals is maximised.
LM: Pedro Neto—Neto has been a polarising figure this season, and the fact that he remains close to a guaranteed starter says much about the struggles of Chelsea's other attacking options. Fans are keen to see 18-year-old Jesse Derry get minutes, though that may be wishful thinking for now.
ST: João Pedro—Pedro's sharp goalscoring touch began to fade toward the end of the Rosenior era. McFarlane will be well aware that much of Chelsea's remaining-season success depends on his ability to get the Brazilian back to his lethal best.