After a brilliant run of 17 games unbeaten in all competitions, Frank Lampard’s Chelsea were finally stopped in their tracks by Everton. Failing to capitalize on rivals Liverpool, Spurs, Man Utd and Man City all dropping points, the Blues next visit a struggling Wolves side in the opening game of the midweek fixtures. Wolves have struggled upfront without their star striker Raul Jimenez and it’s a perfect opportunity for Frank Lampard to get his team back to winning ways at the Molineux.
Chelsea will be without wide men Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi although, Christian Pulisic is back in the squad which will be a relief for Lampard who desperately missed his wingers against Everton. Having dropped out of the top four, Chelsea will definitely be looking to take the game to their opponents with fast-paced attacking football.
Let us now have a look at how Frank Lampard might set his Chelsea side up against Wolves on Tuesday evening.
THE 4-3-3
The 4-3-3 has been Lampard’s favoured formation this season with N’golo Kante back to his best after being restored to the defensive midfield role. Mason Mount has become undroppable with his superb work rate on both the attacking and defensive halves of the pitch. Along with them, we can expect to see Mateo Kovacic who has been industrious in the midfield again this season with great dribbling and tackling ability.
No changes are expected at the back despite Zouma and Thiago Silva struggling against Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison. Lampard has finally found a solid combination at the back after the first season which saw constant changes in this department. Fullbacks Ben Chilwell and Reece James have been exceptional going forward this season and can cause some real headache to the Wolves’ defence.
Timo Werner would be looking to get back to scoring ways after some high profile misses in the recent games which has caused worry amongst the Chelsea fan base. Olivier Giroud has climbed his way to the top of the attack after some brilliant performances. Finally, Christian Pulisic who is back in the squad is expected to replace struggling Kai Havertz on the right side of the attack.
THE 4-2-3-1
The 4-2-3-1 is the alternate system for Lampard but it is unlikely that he will employ this against a defensive Wolves side who are without playmaker Moutinho who is suspended after being sent off against Aston Villa. With Kante alongside, Kovacic has the license to go forward during attacks with his effective shooting from outside the box. Mason Mount can play freely as the attacking playmaker in this system with his tenacity and eye for goal.
Giroud will surely look to exploit Wolves captain Conor Coady’s lack of physicality in the box with darting crosses from fullbacks Chilwell and Reece James who has been especially threatening from the right-hand side with his pinpoint delivery. The Chelsea defence will have to be wary of the pace of Pedro Neto, Adama Traore and Podence on the break. Chelsea are clear favourites in this fixture if we look at recent form, but we can never rule out the Wolves who have established themselves as a side that is really hard to beat under the leadership of Nuno Espirito Santo.
