The Chelsea Lineup That Should Start Against Wolves

Chelsea will look to clinch Champions League football for next season on Sunday, when they welcome Wolves to Stamford Bridge.

The Blues need a result and reaction on the final day of the season, after being thrashed 5-3 by Liverpool on Wednesday. A draw will be enough to secure a top four finish, but with just one win in their last three league meetings with Wolves, the pressure is on.

Frank Lampard is still without midfield youngster Billy Gilmour, while there is a “possibility” that N’Golo Kanté will be available for the huge clash. With three goals scored in back to back games, Lampard should keep faith in the back three and continue with the formation that saw him reach the FA Cup final.

Here is the Chelsea lineup that should start against Wolves on Sunday.

1. Goalkeeper and Defenders

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. / Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

Kepa Arrizabalaga (GK) - Perhaps the most controversial selection for Lampard will be who starts in goal, after shipping five goals to Liverpool. However, despite an underwhelming display at Anfield, Arrizabalaga should retain his place in between the sticks.

César Azpilicueta (CB) - Azpilicueta will drop into centre-back again, as he approaches 50 appearances for the season. The captain has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent players under Lampard, and will bring much-needed stability to the backline on Sunday.

Kurt Zouma (CB) - Zouma has looked comfortable when playing at the heart of a back three, and should retain his place in the starting XI. Although Andreas Christensen could come in, the 25-year-old is the best choice to start in central defence.

Antonio Rüdiger (CB) - Like Arrizabalaga, Rüdiger has also been under fire for some underwhelming performances throughout the season. That being said, the German has played three consecutive games in the Premier League, and looks set to make that four.

2. Midfielders

Chelsea midfielder N'Golo Kanté. / Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Reece James (RWB) - James is the certain choice on the right flank, comfortably fitting in as a wing-back. The 20-year-old has impressed in his 34 appearances this season, and will need to be at his best for the visit of Wolves on Sunday.

N’Golo Kanté (CM) - If Kanté is fit and ready to start at Stamford Bridge, he simply has to play. The Frenchman has shown his importance in recent weeks, and with Mateo Kovačić set to play alongside him, Kanté will need to be on hand to protect the defence.

Mateo Kovačić (CM) - A solid contender for the Blues’ player of the season, Kovačić needs to put in another big performance to secure Champions League football.

Marcos Alonso (LWB) - Going forward as a wing-back, there is no one better than Alonso. The Spaniard is so much more comfortable and impactful when playing further up the pitch.

3. Forwards

Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic. / PHIL NOBLE/Getty Images

Mason Mount (RW) - Mount has been one of Lampard’s key players this season, and he should get the nod on the wing for Sunday’s clash. The Englishman has had a wonderful debut season in blue, with seven goals and five assists so far in half a century of games.

Olivier Giroud (FW) - Chelsea will need goals, and Giroud is the perfect man for the job. The French striker has been outstanding in the second half of the season, with a remarkable seven goals to his name from his last nine league starts.

Christian Pulisic (LW) - He did not start on Wednesday due to a slight injury, but Pulisic simply has to be in the starting XI this weekend. He got a goal and an assist within 14 minutes of coming off the bench against Liverpool, and with four goals and four assists in his last eight league games, he will be the man to make the difference on Sunday.

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