Chelsea Shake Up Starting XI as Delap Makes Comeback Against Wolves
Chelsea aim to secure their spot in the Carabao Cup's fifth round this Wednesday evening as they travel to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Blues' surprising 2-1 home loss to Sunderland over the weekend will have rattled Chelsea going into this midweek fixture, though Enzo Maresca should feel optimistic about bouncing back quickly considering Wolves' terrible current form. The Midlands club remains without a Premier League victory, managing only two points throughout the campaign.
Maresca will also have access to his remarkable squad depth at Molineux, with significant lineup changes anticipated from the team that fell to the Black Cats. Chelsea netted six goals during their previous visit to Wolves, and their heavily rotated starting eleven will be targeting comparable success on this occasion.
Here's how the Blues might set up in the Midlands.
Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Wolves (4-2-3-1)
GK: Filip Jörgensen—While Robert Sánchez remains Chelsea's clear number one goalkeeper, Jörgensen serves as a capable backup. The 23-year-old has appeared in only three games this season, though he's expected to start all Carabao Cup fixtures.
RB: Malo Gusto—Gusto missed Saturday's loss due to suspension following an unnecessary red card against Nottingham Forest the prior weekend. He returns from his single-game suspension and will take Reece James' place.
CB: Wesley Fofana—Chelsea have encountered numerous defensive injury problems this season and have found it difficult to field a consistent center-back pairing. While Josh Acheampong and Trevoh Chalobah seem to be Maresca's current preferred starters, Fofana will likely feature in cup matches.
CB: Tosin Adarabioyo—Adarabioyo is expected to partner Fofana in central defense and will face a challenge from the imposing Jørgen Strand Larsen on Wednesday. The Scandinavian striker has already found the net twice in this Carabao Cup campaign and scored again at the weekend.
LB: Jorrel Hato—Marc Cucurella operates with tireless intensity and requires rest when possible, leading to the adaptable Hato being brought in as his replacement. The Dutch player is still adapting to English football.
DM: Andrey Santos—Maresca has already suggested that Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo will be rested, creating an opportunity for Santos. The 21-year-old has made 14 appearances this campaign, though most have been substitute roles.
DM: Roméo Lavia—Lavia will also provide midfield coverage, forming a partnership with Santos in the defensive midfield roles. The Belgian's injury history means Chelsea must manage his playing time carefully, but Wednesday presents an ideal chance for him to showcase his abilities.
RW: Estêvão—Chelsea fans are quickly becoming enamored with the nimble-footed Estêvão, who will present numerous problems for Wolves in midweek. The rapid Brazilian displays remarkable courage despite being only 18 years old.
AM: Facundo Buonanotte—Buonanotte scored his first Chelsea goal in the Carabao Cup's third round, netting the decisive strike against Lincoln City. He's set to make his fifth club appearance at Molineux.
LW: Jamie Gittens—Gittens urgently requires a standout display in Chelsea colors, as the summer signing has struggled to make an impact since his arrival. He'll be eager to utilize his pace against a vulnerable Wolves backline.
ST: Liam Delap—Maresca has confirmed Delap's fitness for the Wolves match after being out for two months with injury. The English forward will probably play around an hour at Molineux before being substituted.
