After finally getting going under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are having a miserable start to the new year.
Trouble began in late December when Chelsea suffered surprise defeats to Fulham and Ipswich Town, and subsequent Premier League draws with Crystal Palace and Bournemouth hardly boosted confidence levels. They have a chance to rediscover their form against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night.
Chelsea are not inundated with injuries at the moment, but Enzo Maresca has warned that Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Romeo Lavia and Levi Colwill are doubts for the visit of Wolves. The Italian admitted that none of the four trained on Friday, although they are still in contention to feature.
Here’s how Chelsea could line up against Wolves.
GK: Robert Sanchez – Despite his regular mistakes, Sanchez still seemingly has the support of Maresco. The Spaniard’s distribution was questionable again throughout 2-2 draw with Bournemouth midweek and was beaten too easily by Antoine Semenyo at his near post.
RB: Reece James – The Cobham graduate saved Chelsea with a 95th-minute free-kick on Tuesday night and could be in line for the first kick Premier League start from the draw at Old Trafford in early November.
CB: Trevoh Chalobah – After being recalled from his loan spell at Crystal Palace, Chalobah could be thrust into the starting line-up against Wolves straight away. Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana are injured, Tosin Adarabioyo is out of favor and Josh Acheampong struggled against Bournemouth.
CB: Levi Colwill – Despite being a doubt for Monday, Colwill should feature if he is even remotely fit given Chelsea’s problems at centre-back. The likes of Adarabioyo and the versatile Renato Veiga can replace him if needed.
LB: Marc Cucurella – The Spaniard was at the heart of the controversy involving Bournemouth’s David Brooks on Tuesday and will want a less eventful night against Wolves.
DM: Moises Caicedo – Caicedo was initially used at right-back against Bournemouth but was switched back to defensive midfield during the second half. He should start there on Monday against his South American colleagues Joao Gomes and Andre.
DM: Enzo Fernandez – Although also a doubt for Monday, Fernandez will be needed given the absence of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and question marks over Lavia’s fitness.
RW: Pedro Neto – Noni Madueke scored a hat-trick in a game earlier this season but it could be former Wolves star Neto who gets the nod. The energetic Portuguese impressed when called up since his summer switch.
AM: Cole Palmer – Palmer will be assessed closer to kick-off after a rough treatment by Bournemouth in midweek. He is another who will be guaranteed a starting spot if he is deemed fit enough to feature.
LW: Jadon Sancho – Sancho completed more dribbles than any other player against the Cherries and his direct approach could unsettle a Wolves side lacking in confidence. Stara zlata has conceded eight in its last three league games.
ST: Nicolas Jackson – The Senegal forward looked like Jackson last weekspurning several glorious opportunities. Assisted Palmer’s try but failed to score despite an expected goal total of 1.11.
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