90min

The Chelsea Lineup That Should Start Against Wolves on Tuesday Night

By Joshua Wroath

Chelsea won't want a repeat of their trip to Everton
Chelsea won't want a repeat of their trip to Everton / PETER POWELL/Getty Images
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Chelsea stay on the road after Saturday's lose to Everton at Goodison Park, this time facing Wolves at Molineux on Tuesday night.

After a narrow loss to the Toffees, Frank Lampard will be looking for a response from his team. The Blues shouldn't be too down though, with their defeat on Merseyside only the first time they've failed to pick up points away from home this season.

With the Christmas fixture list ramping up, Lampard won't want to start the period with two loses, especially with London derbies against West Ham and Arsenal coming up. With an eye on those games, as well as the tough assignments of Aston Villa and Manchester City further ahead, Chelsea can't afford to let more points slip away in the race for the title.

Here, 90min takes a look at the starting XI that is likely to open up against Wolves.

1. Goalkeepers & Defenders

Reece James has been outstanding down the right all season for Chelsea
Reece James has been outstanding down the right all season for Chelsea / Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images

Edouard Mendy (GK) - Made his first faux pas in English football against Everton, clattering Dominic Calvert-Lewin over to gift Everton a penalty that sealed the win. Undoubtedly still Chelsea's number one, and want to put that mistake behind him quickly.

Reece James (RB) - Has cemented the right-back position as his own. One of the first names on Lampard's team sheet and still only 21 years old. The future is bright.

Kurt Zouma (CB) - An unhappy return to Goodison Park for the former Toffee, but he can still be proud of his performances this season. Has dramatically improved in all areas, noticed best by his four goals already this season.

Thiago Silva (CB) - The experienced Brazilian is looking like a bargain for the Blues, adjusting to the Premier League's demands effortlessly. His knowledge of the game has greatly improved all of his defensive colleagues game, helping Chelsea tighten up at the back.

Ben Chilwell (LB) - Didn't perform at his best against Everton. On his day can be one of the best left-backs in the league, but performances this season have been up and down. Will want to make this next one an up.

2. Midfielders

With Christian Pulisic still out, Mason Mount will be expected to create chances
With Christian Pulisic still out, Mason Mount will be expected to create chances / Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images

N'Golo Kanté (CM) - The defensive rock in the middle of the park. Started every game for Chelsea this season in the league and no reason for that to change here.

Mason Mount (CM) - Hit the woodwork twice at Goodison Park, being unlucky to add to his solitary goal this season. Should add to that tally soon enough if he keeps on plugging away.

Mateo Kovacic (CM) - With Hakim Ziyech still out, Lampard has shifted his midfield around, putting the Croatian on the right of his midfield three. Expected to help nullify Wolves creative midfielders.

3. Forwards

Werner hasn't scored in over a month
Werner hasn't scored in over a month / Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Kai Havertz (RW) - Got the nod ahead of Christian Pulisic due to the American having a slight doubt on his hamstring. Unless Lampard's medical staff deem Pulisic fully fit, the German playmaker will be asked to play in an unfamiliar role again.

Olivier Giroud (ST) - Drew a blank in front of goal against Everton but has still earned the right to be Chelsea's leading striker. Could be his last starting chance before Lampard rotates back to Tammy Abraham.

Timo Werner (LW) - Has settled into playing out wide for now, but still cannot find his shooting boots. Although regularly looks threatening, he hasn't scored a goal in over a month. Needs to score soon to settle down any questions about his shooting ability.