Southampton (A)

The season comes to an end on Sunday, and we face bottom of the table Southampton.

It is still mathematically possible for Manchester City to grab second, but would need us to lose and a massive goal difference swing.

There will be a few goodbyes. Kieran Tierney and Jorginho are 2 players definitely off and both should get on the pitch at some point. Less likely to be seen are Neto and Raheem Sterling, with their largely pointless loans coming to an end.

Our defence is decimated by injury, with William Saliba joining Jurrien Timber, Gabriel and Takehiro Tomiyasu in the physio room. That means a back 4 of White, Kiwior, Calafiori and MLS looks most likely. They have an important task of helping David Raya to the golden glove. A clean sheet will give him the award for the second season running, and a Chelsea goal would confirm it either way.

While Partey, Rice, Odegaard looks likely to be the midfield, Kai Havertz return could lead to a shuffle up top depending on his match readiness. Leandro Trossard is aiming to complete an ever present season in the PL and CL, only missing EFL Cup games against Bolton (suspended) and Preston (benched).


Along with Tierney and Jorginho, there is speculation it will be Oleksandr Zinchenko's last game. All 3 will be hoping to get some action, as will some kids. Jack Henry Francis has been on the bench recently, but with the defensive numbers out maybe Michael Rosiak has a chance of getting on the bench. Like Henry Francis, Nathan Butler-Oyedeji is expected to depart next month but after tasting senior football with us this season he will be hoping to get a bench spot. The likes of Jimi Gower, Ismeal Kabia and Maldini Kacurri could be other candidates for the bench - but it remains unlikely any will get on.

Sunday is more about who will join us, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League next season. Chelsea vs Forest is the big game, and an extra reason to cheer on the Trees is we need Chelsea or Man City and Roma to fail to qualify to get into pot 1 in the CL draw.