With just one point required to clinch Champions League qualification, Chelsea FC play hosts to high-flying Wolves on Sunday afternoon. Frank Lampard’s side will be aware that walking out of the game at Stamford Bridge with a point in their bag will ensure their participation in the most prestigious European club competition next season.
The Blues will be fresh of the back of a 5-3 humbling suffered at the hands of the Premier League champions Liverpool FC earlier this week on their visit to Anfield. Chelsea FC did look threatening on the attacking front in that game and were even tipped to stage a fantastic comeback at one point.
However, the side’s defensive frailties proved to be the decisive factor in their loss. The Blues have often been on the receiving end due to their woeful defending at set-pieces in recent fixtures. Moreover, Chelsea FC goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s form between the sticks has not been the most encouraging aspect for the club.
With everything to play for his side takes the pitch on Sunday, Frank Lampard will be optimistic about Chelsea FC’s chances to snatch a draw at least. Moreover, the Blues manager will be buoyed by the fact that his side are on a five-game unbeaten run at home.
Wolves come into Sunday’s game with a mixed set of results in their recent games. Chasing Europa League qualification themselves, Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have won twice in their last five league games.
WHEN & WHERE?
Date: Sunday 26th July
Time: 3 PM GMT
Venue: Stamford Bridge
TEAM NEWS
Notable absentee in recent games, N’Golo Kante could miss the game against Wolves as well. The Frenchman is currently nursing a hamstring injury that has sidelined him for Chelsea FC’s last five games.
Billy Gilmour, as confirmed earlier by Frank Lampard, will undergo surgery due to a knee injury sustained by the young midfielder. As a result, Gilmour has been ruled out of action for up to three months.
Ross Barkley could, however, be deemed fit to face Wolves in the all-crucial game on Sunday afternoon. The English international had missed the Blues’ encounter with Liverpool due to an illness.
The visitors, on the other hand, have no fresh injury concerns amongst their ranks. Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo is likely to field an unchanged side that beat Crystal Palace 2-0 earlier this week.
RECENT FORM
Chelsea FC: W W L W L
Wolves FC: L L W D W
CHELSEA FC VS WOLVES FC PREDICTED LINEUP
Chelsea FC: Kepa, Cesar Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Zouma, Marcos Alonso, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, Willian, Olivier Giroud, Christian Pulisic
Wolves FC: Rui Patricio; Dendoncker, Coady, Willy Boly; Matt Doherty, Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho, Jonny Castro, Adama Traore, Raul Jimenez, Podence
