Fresh off a Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Arsenal in the semi finals, Chelsea will look to bounce back and maintain Premier League form.
The loss at the Emirates snapped the Blues’ five-game winning streak across all competitions. Performances haven’t always matched the results, but Liam Rosenior is finding ways to survive.
However, the upcoming stretch may ease things for the new manager. They have Premier League games against Wolves, Leeds United, Hull City and Burnley coming up over the next two weeks or so. It could be just what they need in order to enter and establish themselves in the top-four.
Chelsea predicted XI vs Wolves
Chelsea: (4-2-3-1) Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Garnacho; Joao Pedro.
Chelsea team news vs Wolves
Rosenior is expected to shift away from the three-at-the-back lineup he used against Arsenal. Jorrel Hato would likely be the odd man out, while Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana keep their places in the starting XI.
Robert Sanchez is likely continue in goal, though Filip Jorgensen might be back in contention after missing out vs Arsenal.
Levi Colwill remains out long-term, while Jamie Gittens, Tosin Adarabioyo, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo are still ways away from returning.
Both Reece James and Pedro Neto were absent midweek but could return depending on fitness tests closer to the matchday.
It could be just the third time the Blues start a game featuring all three of Palmer, Estevao and Joao Pedro. Previously, they lost to Manchester United – though Estevao was subbed off five minutes in following Sanchez’s red card. The other occurrence was the late draw against Manchester City in early January.
Blues expected to pile misery on Wolves
Wolves are enduring a miserable season, having won just one Premier League game and eight points overall (W1 D5 L18).
They did sign Angel Gomes in an attempt to bolster their midfield, but he has played just twice since the turn of the year. It’s likely that he starts on the bench.
Their goalscoring problems seem beyond repair at this stage. Wolves sold Jorgen Strand Larsen to Crystal Palace and signed Adam Armstrong, who was struggling for Southampton in the Championship after a strong start, to replace him.
Rob Edwards’ men have lost each of their last two games, but put in solid second-half performances in both, testing Manchester City and Bournemouth. Ultimately it wasn’t enough and Chelsea will be heavy favourites here – but there are risks in case they don’t take the game seriously enough.