Chelsea XI vs Manchester United: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news, injury latest for Premier League today | OneFootball

Blues facing striker conundrum for final home match of the season with Nicolas Jackson suspended

Chelsea have a shortage of attacking options as they prepare to host Manchester United in the Premier League tonight.

The Blues know that victories in their final two league games will secure a top-five finish and Champions League football next season.

However, they will be without first-choice striker Nicolas Jackson for both games following his red card in last weekend’s defeat at Newcastle.

Christopher Nkunku and Marc Guiu are also sidelined, meaning manager Enzo Maresca does not have a recognised striker at his disposal.

Pedro Neto appears likeliest to assume the role, having done so while Jackson was injured earlier this season. However, Maresca’s options are also limited out wide by the fact that Jadon Sancho is ineligible to feature against his parent club.

Alternatively, Chelsea could turn to youngster Tyrique George. The 19-year-old started both legs of the Conference League semi-final tie against Djurgarden but is unproven in the role at Premier League level.

Using Cole Palmer as a false nine is another option Maresca has floated in the past, while Neto’s use up front could see the Englishman return to the wide role he played under Mauricio Pochettino for much of last season.

Keen to impress: Tyrique George is an option in attack for Chelsea against Manchester United on Friday

Action Images via Reuters

That switch could see Enzo Fernandez pushed higher up the pitch, Moises Caicedo moved back into midfield and Reece James brought into the side at right-back after shaking off an illness that forced him to miss training on Tuesday.

Predicted Chelsea XI: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Caicedo, Lavia, Fernandez; Palmer, Neto, Madueke

Injured: Fofana, Nkunku, Guiu, Anselmino, Kellyman

Suspended: Jackson

Ineligible: Sancho

Unavailable: Mudryk

Time and date: 8.15pm BST on Friday May 16, 2025

How to watch: Sky Sports

Venue: Stamford Bridge