Gary O’Neil makes £45m change as ‘superb’ defender gets nod - Wolves predicted XI vs Chelsea

Gary O’Neil’s side will be eager to put on an improved display upon their return to Molineux, following on from a 2-0 defeat away at Arsenal on the opening weekend.

The Old Gold were expected to lose at Emirates Stadium and did so fairly comfortably. There were a few promising performances from the likes of Yerson Mosquera, Mario Lemina and Joao Gomes but it wasn’t exactly an afternoon to remember.

Now is a good chance for Wolves to put that result behind them and take on another strong opposition. Wanderers did the double over Chelsea last campaign in impressive fashion, winning 2-1 on home soil and 4-2 at Stamford Bridge. Everyone in gold will be hoping of a similar outcome this weekend.

Chelsea also begun the new campaign in losing fashion, on the end of a 2-0 defeat to champions Manchester City. It’ll be interesting to see how Enzo Maresca’s side pick themselves up, especially after having to play in the Europa Conference League play-off phase midweek.

Wolves have the advantage on the sharpness side as a result and will fancy themselves to surprise the Blues yet again. O’Neil has a few selection dilemmas, particularly in attack, but most positions should be locked down for this one.

Wolves predicted lineup vs Chelsea

Here’s how Birmingham World reporter Charlie Haffenden predicts Wolves will line up against Chelsea on Sunday.

GK - Jose Sa

Sa didn’t have a great game to start the new season and is under pressure with Wolves attempting to sign Aaron Ramsdale. He will continue in the XI for now, though.

RB - Matt Doherty

The Irishman stepped into the side away at Arsenal and is likely to do so again with Nelson Semedo recovering fitness with the under-21s.

CB - Yerson Mosquera

The Colombian has now been fully integrated into the Wanderers setup following last season’s successful loan at Villarreal. He was superb last weekend.

CB - Toti Gomes

Toti, often deployed as a left centre-back, was quite the unsung hero last term. He deserves plenty of plaudits.

LB - Rayan Ait-Nouri

The Algerian simply has to start whenever fit, it’s just a matter of where. In this case, the back five compliments Ait-Nouri at left wing-back.

CM - Mario Lemina

The new skipper will relish the challenge of facing one of the most expensive midfields in the division. Lemina always brings so much energy.

CM - Joao Gomes

The Brazilian was excellent last campaign and will look to continue his progression during the season ahead. Gomes complements Lemina brilliantly.

RW - Hwang Hee-chan

Hwang, who remains at the club despite an attempted swoop from Marseille, was Wolves’ equal top scorer in 2023/24. He simply has to play.

CAM - Matheus Cunha

Cunha, who cost £45m to sign permanently from Atletico Madrid, played just over half an hour off the bench last week and should be ready for a start. 

LW - Rodrigo Gomes

The summer signing didn’t have the best game at the Emirates but was acquired to start games. There’s plenty of competition, but we think he’ll get the nod again.

ST - Jorgen Strand Larsen

The Norwegian, who scored 13 goals in 37 La Liga games last term, is the chosen out-and-out striker for the season ahead.