‘Shameful’ 31-year-old ignored as winger makes surprise start - Wolves predicted XI vs Chelsea

Wolves head back out on the road again on Monday evening as they pay a visit to Champions League hopefuls Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Wanderers will be desperate to make a strong response after losing 3-0 away at Newcastle United last time out. The Old Gold certainly had their fair share of opportunities at St. James’ Park but lacked a clinical edge and were punished for a host of defensive mistakes.

This is a decent time to face Chelsea as they have struggled in recent weeks, failing to win any of their last five Premier League matches and lowering their confidence in the process. Before that, Enzo Maresca’s side were on an absolute roll with five league English top-tier victories on the trot.

Vitor Pereira will be considering making changes to Wolves’ defensive line after conceding three in back-to-back league games and we could see a return for the experienced Craig Dawson. A swap could be made in attack, too, in a bid to introduce fresh energy.

With those points in mind, here’s the starting XI we reckon Pereira will name against the Blues.

Wolves predicted lineup vs Chelsea

GK - Jose Sa

The goalkeeper has become the clear number one under Pereira, comfortably ahead of Sam Johnstone in the pecking order for league fixtures.

RWB - Nelson Semedo

Semedo returned from injury off the bench at Newcastle last time out and is now bound to head back into the starting XI. Wolves have missed his presence.

CB - Craig Dawson

Dawson coming in allows the Old Gold to have three out-and-out centre-backs in the same XI for the first time under Pereira.

CB - Santi Bueno

The Uruguayan’s form has admittedly been rather hot and cold but he looks better when he has two more physical players alongside him.

CB - Emmanuel Agbadou

Agbadou, a recent £16m signing, has already played two full sets of 90 minutes. It’ll take him time to settle but he could become a very important asset.

LWB - Rayan Ait-Nouri

Ait-Nouri enjoys his more advanced role as a wing-back as he can sometimes be a little exposed defensively when deeper. We should see the best of the Algerian under Pereira.

CM - Andre

Andre looks more settled under Pereira than he did Gary O’Neil and he should continue his run of starts. Mario Lemina, meanwhile, shamefully refused to play against Newcastle and shouldn’t be anywhere near the XI.

CM - Joao Gomes

Energetic and strong in both ends of the field, Gomes makes a superb box-to-box midfielder when on song. He also works well alongside Andre.

RW - Rodrigo Gomes

Starts are beginning to rack up for Rodrigo, who appears to be in the forefront of Pereira’s plans. It feels harsh to bench Goncalo Guedes but the competition is fierce.

LW - Matheus Cunha

The talisman of this side, Cunha failed to make a difference against Newcastle but he’s so often the best player on the pitch. He’s made a heroic effort this season.

ST - Jorgen Strand Larsen

Strand Larsen has been benched occasionally but with chances expected to be limited, an out-and-out striker simply has to start.