Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side will be looking to secure their place in next season’s edition of the UEFA Champions League when they welcome Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolverhampton Wanderers to Stamford Bridge this Sunday. The Blues only need one point from the fixture to ensure that they finish in the top four, but a favourable result from the other match between Manchester United and Leicester City could also be enough to get them over the line.
The Blues’ most recent encounter in the league was a 5-3 defeat at the hands of the Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side, in a fixture where the London club’s efforts were undone by some moments of brilliance by the Reds players, paired with some highly questionable refereeing. Wolves, on the other hand, had a rather comfortable 2-0 win against Crystal Palace last time out. The Molineux club have secured their place in the Europa League for next season, with a sixth-place finish over Tottenham Hotspur the only thing left to fight for.
Here Is The Chelsea Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Tactical Preview:
Chelsea Vs Wolverhampton Wanderers Tactical Preview
Talking Tactics
Chelsea
Although many would’ve expected Frank Lampard’s Chelsea side to try and play on the counter-attack against both Manchester United and Liverpool, the gaffer instead decided to go on the offensive against the aforementioned Premier League giants. For this match against Wolves at Stamford Bridge as well, the Blues are likely to try and control the tempo of the game by taking over possession in the midfield area. They could be asked to push more bodies forward, while also holding a higher line to ensure that Wolves aren’t able to get out.
Wolves
The men in Orange have been in a decent run of form in the league since the restart, but with European football already in the bag for next season, there could be a slight hint of relaxation. Nuno’s side have come to be known as a counter-attacking team capable of beating anyone on their day, and Lampard will have to be wary of Wolves’ attack-line. Keeping Raul Jimenez upfront, and Joao Moutinho in midfield quiet will be of utmost importance, as the Molineux club are likely to push the wing-backs forward all through the ninety.
Team News
Chelsea
The Blues are coming into the fixture with a squad that is currently almost at full-strength. The introduction of Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi in the game against Liverpool would’ve come as motivation to the Blues’ faithful about their fitness levels too. The only injury concern for Lampard will be that of French World Cup winning midfield destroyer N’Golo Kante, who played no part in the defeat to the Reds this midweek.
Predicted Lineup: Kepa; James, Rudiger, Zouma, Azpilicueta; Jorginho, Kovacic, Mount; Willian, Giroud, Pulisic
Wolves
Nuno’s men, fortunately, boast no injuries in the squad at this point, meaning that they’re likely to come into this fixture full of strength and brimming with confidence. The team that the gaffer deployed against Crystal Palace in midweek put in an excellent shift, and it wouldn’t be overly surprising to see him name an unchanged eleven for this tie.
Predicted Lineup: Patricio; Dendoncker, Coady, Boly; Doherty, Moutinho, Neves, Otto; Traore, Jimenez, Podence
Key Men
Chelsea
The introduction of Christian Pulisic into the mix in the second half against Liverpool changed the entire complexion of the fixture in a matter of minutes. He showed great awareness to beat a couple of players and find the perfect pass for Tammy Abraham, before displaying great composure to smash past Alisson himself a few minutes later.
Wolves
For all the excellent work that Raul Jimenez has done leading the line, it must be conceded that more often than not, their main attacking catalyst over recent weeks has been Adama Traore. The former Barcelona academy star has been sensational in attack for the men in orange, and his directness could cause the Blues’ back-line all kinds of problems.
