James To Start? | Predicted 4-3-3 Chelsea Lineup To Face Wolves | OneFootball

The dismal Premier League run continues for Chelsea as they have not won a game since Christmas Eve. While they were chasing the title last month, a setback against Wolves on Monday night could further jeopardize their ‘top four’ hopes having fallen off to fifth already in the standings.

Wolves will travel to Stamford Bridge after back-to-back league defeats against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United. They are struggling for survival alongside all three promoted clubs and a defeat against the Blues could see them drop into the relegation zone. They are on the same points, as well as the same goal difference with 18th-placed Ipswich Town and are only ahead in the table for scoring more goals so far this campaign.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Chelsea Lineup To Face Wolverhampton Wanderers

Defence

Chelsea are stacked between the sticks with Marcus Bettinelli, Lucas Bergstrom, Filip Jorgensen and Gabriel Slonina challenging Robert Sanchez for the ‘number 1’ spot. Despite some sloppy moments, the Spaniard is expected to keep his place between the sticks.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Noni Madueke of Chelsea shoots at goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Chelsea FC at Molineux on August 25, 2024 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile are sidelined with thigh injuries. Also, Levi Colwill remains a doubt after sustaining an injury against Bournemouth. The Blues have recalled Trevoh Chalobah from Crystal Palace and the Englishman could go straight into the starting XI if Colwill fails to recover before the Wolves game. Tosin Adarabioyo might get the nod over 18-year-old Josh Acheampong in the heart of the backline, and the gaffer Enzo Maresca should restore Moisés Caicedo in midfield in favour of skipper Reece James who scored a last-gasp equalizer on Tuesday night. Marc Cucurella must continue as the left fullback ahead of wantaway Renato Veiga and outcast Ben Chilwell.

Midfield

Romeo Lavia and Enzo Fernandez suffered knocks against the Cherries. But the latter could regain his fitness and slot in deep down the midfield alongside Caicedo. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been ruled out with an injury concern.

Maresca must be sweating over Cole Palmer’s availability who had a kick against Bournemouth, and therefore, skipped training sessions. However, the Englishman should return to action as he still has two days to recover. The Blues are blessed with depth and quality down the flanks, and the manager might opt for Pedro Neto down the right against his former employers. Jadon Sancho has revived his game since completing a summer move from Manchester United and the English wideman should keep his place over Joao Felix on the left. Felix, Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku could be involved as second-half substitutes to add more flair and firepower high up the pitch.

Attack

Nicolas Jackson is proving his doubters wrong with 13 goal contributions in 20 Premier League outings. The Senegalese should spearhead the attack and aim to find the net as he did against Wolves at Molineux in their 6-2 victory early into the season.