How should Chelsea line up against Nottingham Forest to stay in top-six race?

TL;DR

Chelsea needs a win against Nottingham Forest to maintain their top-six race, currently sitting in ninth place. Reece James and Levi Colwill are back in training and may join the matchday squad.

Key points

Chelsea is in ninth position in the league.
Three points are needed to stay in the top-six race.
Reece James and Levi Colwill are back in training.

ChelseaNottingham ForestAston Villa

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 26: Enzo Fernandez (centre) and Tosin Adarabioyo of Chelsea talk to Interim Head Coach Calum McFarlane during the Emirates FA Cup Semi Final match between Chelsea and Leeds United on April 26, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) | Visionhaus/Getty Images We have to wait all the way until Monday afternoon to see Chelsea in action this weekend, by which time most of our closest rivals for the top-six will have played. In fact, we will be entering the match in ninth position. Three points will be needed to keep pace in the race for sixth (which may yet end up being a Champions League-qualifying spot, depending on how Aston Villa do in Europe and in the league). Getting three points from any game is a rare feat for us these days, but we did get back into the winning column with last week’s FA Cup semifinal win against Leeds United. Something to build on, hopefully, as the season’s not quite over yet! There’s a bit of good news on the injury front as well, with both Reece James and Levi Colwill back in training this week. They may not be quite match fit just yet, but they are both in contention to make the matchday squad. Choose wisely. **:**

Q&A

What position is Chelsea in the league before facing Nottingham Forest?

Chelsea is currently in ninth position in the league.

Who are the key players returning for Chelsea against Nottingham Forest?

Reece James and Levi Colwill are back in training and may be included in the matchday squad.

What does Chelsea need to do to stay in the top-six race?

Chelsea needs to secure three points from the match against Nottingham Forest to keep pace in the top-six race.