Enzo Maresca will be keen to win his first league match as Chelsea boss (Image: Getty)
Chelsea were put to the sword by Manchester City on their Premier League opener, and Enzo Maresca’s side will be keen to get their first points on the board when they travel to Molineux to face Wolves on Sunday.
The Blues defeated Swiss side Servette in a European Conference League qualifier on Thursday night and any knocks and fitness problems suffered in the 2-0 win will need to be contended with.
Express Sport takes a look at how Maresca is likely to line up against Chelsea…
Chelsea predicted XI vs Wolves (4-3-3)
Goalkeeper: Sanchez
Maresca has already revealed that RobertSanchez will remain his No. 1 in the Premier League in the short-term, with Filip Jorgensen expected to feature in cup competitions. He said: “If the level continues to be the same, probably Robert [will be in goal] when we play Premier League and Filip in the Conference League or the cups that we have. But in the end, it is just about performances.”
Defence: Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella
With Reece James still ruled out through suspension and Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile struggling to pull up trees in midweek, Maresca looks set to name an unchanged backline against Wolves. Cucurella was named on the bench against Servette which would indicate he has overcome a recent knock.
Romeo Lavia impressed against Manchester City (Image: Getty)
Midfield: Caicedo, Lavia, Fernandez
Romeo Lavia hit the ground running against City and he deserves to remain as part of Chelsea’s midfield three over Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.
Christopher Nkunku is becoming something of a headache given that he still has not shown his strongest position at Stamford Bridge, and he may be forced to warm the bench against Gary O’Neil’s side as a result, with Enzo Fernandez playing as a No. 10 instead.
Noni Madueke has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle (Image: Getty)
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Forwards: Palmer, Jackson, Madueke
Mykhaylo Mudryk did himself no favours with a sub-par display in midweek and it would be a surprise to see him start on the wing on the back of that.
Maresca is therefore likely to look to Noni Madueke to showcase why Newcastle are pushing to acquire his services after a late goal in midweek, with Pedro Neto unlikely to start against his former club. Madueke enjoyed a fine pre-season and will be keen to prove his worth at Molineux.
Palmer is said to have come through his injury scare already and therefore remains the first name on the team sheet, with Joao Felix likely to make his return to Chelsea off of the bench.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1939774/Chelsea-team-news-predicted-XI-Wolves-Madueke-Felix-Neto