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Chelsea predicted XI for Wolves: Everything on the line

By Michael DeVito

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Mason Mount of Chelsea looks on during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 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 Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 19: Mason Mount of Chelsea looks on during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 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 Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Mason Mount of Chelsea looks on during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 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 Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 19: Mason Mount of Chelsea looks on during the FA Cup Semi Final match between Manchester United and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium on July 19, 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 Alastair Grant/Pool via Getty Images) /

Mateo Kovacic (No. 17) Defensive midfielder, Croatia

A no-brainer here in the middle of defensive midfielder would be N’Golo Kante. He may not be available—if he is, he starts—so the clear choice in the middle is Mateo Kovacic. Kovacic is steady, dependable and not careless with the ball. That’s essential in this game, limit mistakes at all cost.

Kovacic gets the nod over Jorginho because he’s a better player in Lampard’s system. It is clear how neatly he fits in central midfield and while he’s no Kante, he could easily and seamlessly slot into most major teams in Europe because of his sound, sensible and risk-averse style.

Mason Mount (No. 19) Central midfielder, England

Mount needs to play on the left side of midfield. This is Mount’s best position where his work rate is essential to the team’s success. His ability to move the ball ahead and link up with the forwards is first-rate. He’s not as effective in a forward position as he is when he has time and space to drive into the center of the pitch, pressure the defense and deal the ball to a forward.

Mount’s shooting accuracy leaves a lot to be desired, which makes his slotting in midfield prudent. His early header against Liverpool might have changed the entire complexion of the game, but he flubbed it. That notwithstanding, Mount is a valuable cog in Chelsea’s attack when in the right spot: on the left side of midfield. He can combine with the dynamic and direct Christian Pulisic and pose a threat on that side every time he drives up the pitch.

Ross Barkley (No. 8) Central midfielder, England

On the right, it’s Ross Barkley. He’s been solid since the restart and while tempted to give Ruben Loftus-Cheek his moment, the best play is Barkley. His physical presence, experience, ability to add to the attack and his hungriness can make a difference in this game. Barkley is the best choice on the right in midfield. One trait he exhibits that is especially important in a must-win game like this is his lack of hesitancy to shoot when the opportunity presents itself.

Too often this season, Chelsea attackers have chosen just one more pass to try for a perfect finish. Barkley can’t be accused of over-passing; he needs to make his passes count, but he also needs to take his shot when it’s there. Chelsea can’t be too cute or fine with the ball Sunday. A decent chance can always find its way into the goal. Barkley needs to be aggressive and take the shot. Play to score, play to win.

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