Jesse Derry set for Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest
Jesse Derry is set to make his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest for Chelsea this afternoon, as Calum McFarlane puts his trust in the young 18-year-old, reports BritPanorama.
The teenager joined the Blues on a four-year deal after departing Crystal Palace in 2025, where he had developed through the youth academy. Already representing England at the under-19 level when he made the switch to west London, Derry brought with him an impressive pedigree from his time at Selhurst Park.
Born on June 30, 2007, Derry is the son of former professional footballer and manager Shaun Derry, indicating a deep family connection to the sport. His breakthrough at Crystal Palace came during the 2023/24 season when he claimed the club’s under-18s player of the season honour after scoring 16 times across 22 matches.
Derry’s Premier League debut today comes in a key clash for both Chelsea and Forest, with the Blues looking to end their torrid run of form in the Premier League. Chelsea advanced to the FA Cup final last weekend with victory over Leeds United, in McFarlane’s first game under his second spell as interim boss.
Having already made his mark in Chelsea’s development squads, Derry netted in a comprehensive 5-0 victory at Newcastle and scored a decisive 86th-minute goal against Burnley in Premier League Two. His performance in a 5-2 UEFA Youth League success over Benfica further showcased his match-winning capabilities.
On the international stage, Derry has scored against Germany and the Netherlands at the 2025 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, before adding a goal in a 7-0 demolition of Wales and bagging a hat-trick in England’s 7-0 Euro 2026 qualifying rout of Latvia.
Today, he lines up in a front four alongside Cole Palmer, captain Enzo Fernandez, and Joao Pedro. They face a Forest side whose attention is split as they prepare for a crucial mid-week Europa League matchup at Villa Park.
For Forest, Vitor Pereira has made eight changes heading into the contest, looking to preserve fresh legs for Thursday’s clash against Aston Villa. Following a 1-0 victory against Villa in the first leg, with Chris Wood scoring the only goal of the game from the penalty spot, Forest remains in formidable form having not lost since March 12.
Football often reveals intertwined narratives of youth ambition and tactical acumen; Derry’s debut underscores the promise that lies within, while the strategic choices of both managers reflect the broader stakes of the Premier League season.
