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Chelsea: Combined XI with Wolves ahead of season’s last match

By Gabe Henderson

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea is challenged by Jesus Vallejo of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea FC at Molineux on September 14, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 14: Mateo Kovacic of Chelsea is challenged by Jesus Vallejo of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea FC at Molineux on September 14, 2019 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 07: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea and Jordan Ayew of Crystal Palace battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea FC at Selhurst Park on July 07, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Justin Tallis/Pool via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 07: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea and Jordan Ayew of Crystal Palace battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Chelsea FC at Selhurst Park on July 07, 2020 in London, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Justin Tallis/Pool via Getty Images) /

Chelsea and Wolves are set to meet in the last match of the season at Stamford Bridge, but what would a combined XI look like?

Match week 38, it all comes down to this. Results throughout the last few matches have seen Wolves fall out of Champions League, but they still have all to play for with Spurs hot on their tails. On the other hand, Chelsea needs a draw or a win to ensure its inclusion in next season’s premier European competition.

Earlier this season, the Blues pulled off a stunning 5-2 victory over their hosts at Molineux. Frank Lampard’s side ran rampant with Tammy Abraham scoring a hat-trick, Mason Mount scoring at the death and Fikayo Tomori scoring the goal of the season. The west London club will look to replicate that form again on Sunday as a Champions League place awaits.

For this team sheet featuring both clubs, we’re going to assume the side plays a 3-4-3. The formation is preferred by Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo and Frank Lampard has deployed it sporadically as well. Here is what a combined XI between Chelsea and Wolves would look like:

Goalkeeper: Rui Patricio, Wolves

Patricio isn’t the best keeper in the Premier League—far from it—but one doesn’t have to be in order to outshine Kepa Arrizabalaga. Patricio’s 13 clean sheets across 37 appearances is enough to get him into the side. His opposite counterpart has the worst save percentage in the Premier League and is unlikely to see many more matches, if any, at Stamford Bridge. For these reasons, Patricio is a simple selection in goal.

Right centerback: Leander Dendoncker, Wolves

Ultimately, the decision on who to start at right centerback depended on whether Dendoncker would be chosen over Willy Boly. He has 37 appearances this season, which is impressive, and he even has four goals to add to the total. Dendoncker has made a name for himself over the last few seasons since moving from Anderlecht. He’s become an above average Premier League defender and his importance to Nuno’s side lands him in the XI. His consistency and importance to the back three of Wolves sees him in this side over Kurt Zouma.

Centerback: Conor Coady

The Wolverhampton Wanderers captain had to be included in this list. One of the best defenders outside of the big six, Coady has played a large role in the success of Wolves in the Premier League. He commands the center of the defense with authority. Now, the only question is who would captain the side, he or Cesar Azpilicueta?

Left centerback: Cesar Azpilicueta, Chelsea

Azpilicueta has to be a part in every defense in the Premier League, period. He’s one of the most reliable, consistent defenders in England—at any position. For this reason, he’d fit in best with Dendoncker and Coady on the left side of a back three.

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