‘Sloppy’ defender axed as Gary O’Neil starts £16m ‘battler’ – Wolves predicted XI v Chelsea
Here’s how we predict Wolverhampton Wanderers will line up against Chelsea in the Premier League.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are in Premier League action for the second time in four days as they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
The Old Gold were on the wrong end of a seven-goal thriller at Molineux on Thursday night as Manchester United ran out 4-3 victors under the lights. Pedro Neto thought he’d scored a last-gasp equaliser when he netted deep in second-half stoppage time but Kobbie Mainoo’s strike two minutes later broke Wolves’ hearts.
Gary O’Neil’s side had been on a run of seven games unbeaten in all competitions before then, so the confidence won’t be rocked too much ahead of this weekend’s away trip. Chelsea were in good form up until recently, too, but a 4-1 thrashing away at Liverpool has stopped the Blues in their tracks.
Historically, this fixture would see Wolves as underdogs against title challengers but it’s a very different story this season as Chelsea are 10th and merely two points ahead. Wanderers have a terrific opportunity to leapfrog Mauricio Pochettino’s side this weekend, with a top-half place very much up for grabs.
With a few changes in response to the disappointing defensive display midweek, here’s the Wolves XI we predict O’Neil will name at Stamford Bridge.
1. GK – Jose Sa
Sa had a poor game against Man Utd but O’Neil will be hoping that was a one-off as the goalkeeper is usually far better.
2. RWB – Nelson Semedo
Semedo is definitely the first choice right wing-back at the club, especially due to his effective link-up play with Neto.
CB – Max Kilman
The skipper will be as disappointed as anyone about conceding four on Thursday and will be desperate to put things right.
4. CB – Craig Dawson
Dawson was exceptional in the win over West Brom but dropped off against the Red Devils. He needs to regain his composure on Sunday.
