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Chelsea vs Wolves predicted XI: Back to winning ways with 3-4-1-2?

By Olaoluwa Nwobodo

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 19: Reece James of Chelsea battles for possession with Adama Traore of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux on December 19, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 19: Reece James of Chelsea battles for possession with Adama Traore of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux on December 19, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /
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WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 19: Reece James of Chelsea battles for possession with Adama Traore of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux on December 19, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 19: Reece James of Chelsea battles for possession with Adama Traore of Wolverhampton Wanderers during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea at Molineux on December 19, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) /

Reece James (No. 24) Right wingback, England

For some reason, Reece James’ defensive ability is applauded, which is weird when you consider that he has been as underwhelming defensively as Chelsea’s other defenders recently. This often comes up when comparing him with Liverpool defender and playmaking maestro Trent Alexander-Arnold. This is similar to what many of these same fans did when accessing and comparing Callum Hudson-Odoi with other forwards.

James still has a lot to learn and frankly should not be compared with the Liverpool fullback. Why? Because the two are at different points in their careers. Alexander-Arnold has been a key part of three Premier League title races and three Champions League final appearances for the Reds. James has been key to one Champions League final appearance and no Premier League titles races. James may be a better defender, but the difference in abilities between the two is not substantial.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek (No. 12) Central midfielder, England

Ruben Loftus-Cheek was one of Chelsea’s better players at Everton. He may be the only central midfielder that deserves to start this one based on the Everton game. He will come in handy for the Wolves game because Wolves are quite physical.

Mateo Kovacic (No. 8) Central midfielder, Croatia

Mateo Kovacic may get the go-ahead from Tuchel since Jorginho is out. He has been one of Chelsea’s most consistent players this season. He has two goals, six assists and he has created 8 big chances. Only Mason Mount has created more big chances than him at Chelsea in the Premier League this season. The Blues have missed the Croatian recently. He matches Jorginho in tackles per game, but without the high dribbled past numbers. He was underwhelming in the previous game, but it is high time he went back to being the midfield maestro that he actually is.

Marcos Alonso (No. 3) Left wingback, Spain

Marcos Alonso has played well this season, no matter which way you look at it. Apart from the excellent positioning he shows on the pitch, he also matches the defensive numbers of the best defensive players in the squad. He makes 3.2 tackles plus interceptions per game for the Blues in the Premier League. N’Golo Kante? 3.3. We already know Jorginho leads the pack (3.4).

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