Former Chelsea star Jason Cundy has urged manager Enzo Maresca to drop Tyrique George from the starting lineup and instead use midfielder Cole Palmer as the central striker in their crucial final Premier League match against Nottingham Forest.

Chelsea are on the verge of securing Champions League football for next season, needing a victory against Forest on Sunday to guarantee a fourth-place finish. This would mark a significant improvement from their sixth-place position last season.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Cundy expressed sympathy for George after his performance against Manchester United, saying: "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. Personally, I will go for Palmer."

The Blues are currently facing a striker crisis with Nicolas Jackson suspended and Christopher Nkunku still recovering from injury. George, primarily a winger, was deployed as a makeshift striker against Manchester United and played for 81 minutes before being substituted.

Sunday's match carries enormous significance for both clubs. While Chelsea aim to secure Champions League qualification, Nottingham Forest also have their European ambitions, with a win potentially putting them in contention for Europe's elite competition.

The race for Champions League spots remains tight, with Manchester City, Newcastle United, and Aston Villa all still in the hunt alongside Chelsea and potentially Forest.

Maresca now faces a critical tactical decision that could define Chelsea's season, with Cundy's recommendation to utilize Palmer's versatility potentially offering a solution to their striking dilemma.