Mendy And Mount To Start, Kepa And Kovacic On The Bench: Chelsea’s Predicted XI To Take On Wolves

It’s been probably one of the craziest weeks in Chelsea’s recent history and that’s saying something.

Seven days ago, you couldn’t have predicted the sacking of Graham Potter and the return of Frank Lampard as manager on an interim basis.

The Blues legend now has to pick up the pieces ahead of the game against Wolves on Saturday afternoon.

Press the next page as we predict Chelsea’s starting lineup for the clash at Molineux.

GK – Edouard Mendy

The return of Lampard may also see the return of the Senegalese international in goal.

Mendy was back in the matchday squad for the 0-0 draw against Liverpool, which was the first time he’s been available for first-team action since November due to injury.

Lampard signed the 31-year-old so there is a pretty good chance that the shot-stopper will be recalled to face Wolves.

RB – Reece James

Lampard placed a lot of faith in the right-back when he took charge of the Blues during his first spell at the club.

James had only recently returned from a loan spell at Wigan, where he had played a fair amount as a holding midfielder.

However, Lampard knew that he had the potential to be an outstanding fullback and that has proven to be the case over the past few years.

CB – Wesley Fofana

The Frenchman was outstanding versus Liverpool midweek as part of a back three, helping to keep a clean sheet.

However, there is a chance that Lampard will switch to a four-man backline as he looks to cure the Blues’ problems in front of goal.

Considering Fofana’s excellent recent form, he should be able to cope with the change without any issues.

CB – Kalidou Koulibaly

The 31-year-old’s form has been erratic, to say the least, but he looked assured and composed in the 0-0 draw against Liverpool on Tuesday.

There are certainly more question marks about Koulibaly’s capabilities in a back four but, with Thiago Silva still sidelined, he will likely be given the nod.

The likes of Marc Cucurella and Benoit Badiashile may have to settle for places on the bench at Molineux.

LB – Ben Chilwell

The 26-year-old has been one of Chelsea’s most in-form players in recent months, and he will almost certainly keep his starting role under Lampard.

Like with Mendy, Chilwell was signed by the caretaker manager, and he will rely on the left-back pretty heavily in upcoming fixtures.

The England international’s crossing and set-piece delivery have been a really important asset for the Blues.

CM – N’Golo Kante

The Frenchman returned to the starting lineup against Liverpool after seven months on the sidelines but it looked like he had never been away.

Kante’s ability to win the ball and dominate the midfield has not been diminished despite his recent injury problems or the fact that he is now 31.

Considering how long he has been out for, expect him to be substituted midway through the second half versus Wolves, like he was against Liverpool.

CM – Enzo Fernandez

Although the 22-year-old had a very good game midweek, it was slightly surprising that he was given the Man of the Match award, ahead of either Kante or Fofana.

Fernandez has been very consistent since his arrival from Benfica in January, and his game does look perfectly suited for the Premier League.

The Argentine is tenacious without the ball, and accurate in possession, and he will clearly be a mainstay of the Blues’ midfield for years to come.

AM – Mason Mount

Despite his struggles with form and fitness, you would expect the midfielder to be recalled to the starting lineup following Lampard’s return.

Like with James, Lampard placed tremendous trust in Mount during his first spell in charge, giving him regular starting opportunities.

For that reason, it wouldn’t be surprising if we see a reinvigorated player who is keen to impress Lampard with his performances.

RW – Kai Havertz

The German is another Lampard signing but, it’s fair to say that he really struggled early on during the first few months of his time at Stamford Bridge.

Havertz’s failure to make an immediate impact probably contributed, in part, to Lampard being sacked in the first place, and it will be interesting to see how he will be used.

The forward isn’t always the best at finishing but he is the club’s top scorer so you would expect him to be given a starting role by Lampard, at least initially.

ST – Joao Felix

The Portuguese international is a hard player to make sense of. He is a genuine threat on the ball, with his excellent technical ability allowing him to gracefully glide past defenders.

However, Felix’s composure in front of goal has been found wanting and, like most of Chelsea’s forward players, he is more style over substance.

It will be interesting to see how he is used and whether Lampard can get a tune out of him.

LW – Raheem Sterling

The 28-year-old is one of the most direct players among Chelsea’s vast array of forward options. When he is on the pitch, the Blues are more of a threat in front of goal.

Lampard could opt for either Christian Pulisic or Mykhailo Mudryk instead but Sterling’s experience could see him win the battle for a start at Molineux.

He has had a rather disappointing first season at Stamford Bridge so he will be hoping to make amends in the closing weeks of the campaign.