Chelsea will look to keep pace with Premier League leaders Manchester City when they travel to the Molineux to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.
After a bright start to the season, Chelsea’s form has tailed off and they have won just one of their last three league matches.
Their preparation for Saturday’s game has been marred by uncertainty following a number of positive COVID-19 cases within the squad.
Wolverhampton Wanderers, meanwhile, come into this fixture on the back of a morale-boosting 1-0 win at Brighton.
The last time these two sides met, Wolves managed to hold Chelsea to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea Team News
Ben Chilwell, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku have all tested positive for COVID-19 and will be unavailable for this clash. Reece James has also reportedly contracted the virus, although the club are yet to confirm the same. So he could yet feature.
Back at it today!
Wolves vs Chelsea. Let’s go! 👊 #WolChe pic.twitter.com/NYD5Xopjuo
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 19, 2021
Given the lack of options Thomas Tuchel has at his disposal, N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic could be in contention to start despite only just returning from injuries and illness respectively.
Jorginho faces a race against time to be fit for this clash after sustaining an injury against Everton.
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Wolverhampton Wanderers (3-4-2-1)
Goalkeeper
Edouard Mendy has transformed into one of the finest keepers in the world following his arrival at Stamford Bridge. But the Senegal international has failed to keep a clean sheet in his last five games in all competitions, a streak he will look to snap against Wolves.
Defenders
Predicted Chelsea Lineup vs Wolves
Chelsea have been quite shaky at the back in recent games and Tuchel might opt to switch things up for this game.
Andreas Christensen is in contention to start, but Trevoh Chalobah might just get the nod to partner Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger in central defence.
With Reece James expected to miss out, Cesar Azpilicueta should slot in at right wing-back, while Marcos Alonso will start on the left in Chilwell’s absence.
Midfielders
With question marks surrounding Jorginho’s fitness, Tuchel could be forced to field N’Golo Kante in central midfield. The Frenchman has missed Chelsea’s last five league games due to injury but recently returned to training.
Mateo Kovacic is also in contention to return after missing the last few games due to COVID-19.
Attackers
Kai Havertz will likely lead the line for Chelsea with Werner and Lukaku unavailable. The German reported being sick in the lead-up to the match against Everton but has been given the green light to play this game.
Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic are expected to support Havertz in attack. Mount has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent players this season, while Pulisic has shown signs of hitting top form after returning from injury.
Update: Chelsea’s confirmed lineup has been announced for the game:
This is your Chelsea team today! 🤝 @ParimatchGlobal #WolChe pic.twitter.com/LJSX6MweWC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 19, 2021
