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Ex-Chelsea defender Jason Cundy has surprisingly suggested that Cole Palmer should start as a striker in the Blues' upcoming league match at Nottingham Forest.
The Blues, who finished sixth last campaign, are currently in fourth place in the Premier League table with 66 points from 37 games. However, the Blues have yet to secure UEFA Champions League football with the likes of Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa still in the running.
Ahead of Chelsea's final league contest at Forest next Sunday (May 25), Cundy shared his thoughts on his former club's team selection. He said on talkSPORT (h/t The Chelsea Chronicle):
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"Who do you start up top? Tyrique George started [in the recent 1-0 Premier League win] against Manchester United, and I felt a bit sorry for him. I thought the game was too big for him. Clearly he's a talented boy who's going to have a very bright future. Personally, I will go for Palmer. I keep the wide men the same. That's what I would have started with against United."
With Nicolas Jackson suspended and Christopher Nkunku still nursing a knock, the Blues have limited options for the striker role. Tyrique George, who is primarily a winger, featured in 81 minutes of action in his club's 1-0 home league win over Manchester United earlier this Friday.
Palmer, meanwhile, has been an ever-present figure for the Blues in the Premier League this season. He has scored 15 goals and registered nine assists in 36 league appearances for his current club this campaign.
Chelsea star linked with six European clubs
According to The Sun, Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku will leave his current club this summer. He has drawn interest from Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, West Ham United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Atletico Madrid as a result.
Nkunku, who is reportedly aiming to join a UEFA Champion League club, has started just nine Premier League games this season. The remaining 13 starts have come in cup competitions, both domestic and European.
So far this campaign, Nkunku has made 42 overall appearances for the Blues. He has found the back of the net 14 times, including three Premier League goals, and contributed five assists in 2,039 minutes of action for his club.
Since leaving Bundesliga team RB Leipzig for around £52 million in 2023, Nkunku has scored 17 goals in 56 overall matches for Chelsea. He has a contract until June 2029 at the Stamford Bridge outfit.
