Chelsea talking tactics: 3-4-3 to counter Wolverhampton Wanderers

Chelsea host Wolverhampton Wanderers in the last game of the season. All Frank Lampard’s side need is one point to secure Champions League qualification.

It was another goal thriller at Anfield on Wednesday night after the 5-3 score line. High scoring games has been very consistent this season for the Blues and a constant issue for Frank Lampard has been the defense.

The back three formation has worked in recent outings. The FA Cup semifinal win against Manchester United, the double over Tottenham Hotspur, and the away win at The Emirates were straightforward evidence. The formation also worked against the West Midlands side earlier in the season.

Despite conceding five goals to Liverpool, scoring three goals at the home of the Champions shows that Chelsea can attack, and it is proof the formation can supply many chances after scoring six in two games.

On the other side, they have also conceded six in the past two. Leaking goals is the reason Lampard’s side are not secured in the top four. The game against Wolves may mean the 3-4-3 is kept due to how the Wanderers set up and the earlier encounter at Molineux.

Nuno Espirito Santo has always set this Wolves side with a three at the back shape. This formation has always worked for them, leading them to Championship glory and now a deep run into Europa League.

Lampard matched the system when the two sides met back in August. Chelsea won 5-2 on the day. Marcos Alonso could surge forward, something in which he thrives in. Mason Mount and Willian made inverted runs, creating space for the wing backs, and compacting the midfield. It works often in this set up. Chelsea were 3-0 up at half time at Molineux. A similar fast paced, intensified mindset must be opted for if a place in the Champions League is to be secured.

Tammy Abraham scored on Wednesday night and so did Olivier Giroud. The latter has had the nod since lock down and this is likely to remain on Sunday. His knock downs and ability to bring other players into the game is key to how Chelsea have set up since lock down.

One could argue that if Wolves were not the opponents, Lampard may have opted for a back four. But because the opponents are so successful with three center backs, the Blues could copy their tactics from August when they first played each other in the high scoring victory.

Fikayo Tomori scored a wonder strike in that game. But other goals shown the efficiency of the 3-4-3. This was clear when Abraham netted his second. Alonso was wide left, with acres of space. He had the time to lift his head up and find Abraham who promptly headed in.

Despite the joys of the big win, the defense frailties were also exposed when Matt Doherty found himself behind the Chelsea back line to set up Wolves second. There are pros and cons, but right now, it is all Lampard has.

All the West London club needs is one point to secure that all important top four. Chelsea will go for a win despite this. It may come down to having to outscore Wolves. The result does not matter, all that matters is one point.

Christian Pulisic will return to the side. His impact against Liverpool was heavily influential. He missed out at Anfield due to the success of the side against United. But after his energy and directness against the Merseyside club means he will be brought back into the side. His assist and goal were applaudable to say the least.

Elsewhere in the Premier League, Leicester City are playing Manchester United. This is majorly significant to Chelsea. One of these must drop points, meaning that Chelsea’s fate is in their own hands.