The loss against Liverpool means that Chelsea will have to get at least a draw in their final Premier League game to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
The Blues will face off against Wolves at Stamford Bridge in their last league game, and we could be in for a thriller. The visitors, who are 6th, have not qualified for next season’s Europa League and are just a point above Spurs, so they have all to play for as well.
If Chelsea lose and Leicester City draw their match against Manchester United, Frank Lampard’s side will finish fifth and miss out on the Champions League, and will have to settle for Europa League football.
In the reverse fixture, Chelsea eased past Wolves, with Lampard’s men registering a 5-2 win.
Chelsea Team News
Billy Gilmour could be the only absentee for Chelsea in their final game of the season. Lampard revealed that N’Golo Kanté has trained and that there’s a “possibility” that he will make it for Saturday’s game.
Ross Barkley did not feature in the loss against Liverpool due to illness, and he could return to the Chelsea squad.
Let’s take a look at the team that Frank Lampard could put out for the final game of the season.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Wolves
Goalkeeper
Chelsea No. 1 Kepa Arrizabalaga had yet another difficult game in the loss to Liverpool. But he’s expected to retain his place in the Chelsea lineup, as Frank Lampard backed the Spanish goalkeeper in his pre-match press conference.
The fans have already lost their patience with the Spanish custodian, and he needs to put in a good display to win their faith back.
Defence
Lampard will stick to the three-man defence, despite conceding five against Liverpool. The three-man defence will have to be deployed to match Wolves’ similar system.
We could maybe see Lampard continue with the same defenders for this game. Kurt Zouma, Antonio Rudiger, and Cesar Azpilicueta could form the back three, with Reece James and Marcos Alonso playing as the two wing-backs.
Midfield
If N’Golo Kanté is fit to make the squad, he could go straight into the Chelsea lineup. Mateo Kovacic could play alongside Kanté. The trio of Jorginho, Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are other options.
Attack
Mason Mount had a poor game against Liverpool and he could be replaced by Christian Pulisic, who made an instant impact after coming on against Liverpool.
Willian and Olivier Giroud should hold their places in the Chelsea lineup. Giroud will have to be at his best against the Wolves defenders who are physical and give little away.
