Chelsea Starting XI vs Wolves: Confirmed Team news and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Chelsea predicted lineup for Carabao Cup clash with Wolves

Chelsea eye response after Sunderland setback

Chelsea return to action tonight in the Carabao Cup, travelling to Molineux to face Wolves in what could be a crucial test for Enzo Maresca’s developing side. The Blues were left frustrated after a stoppage-time defeat to Sunderland at the weekend, and rotation is expected as Maresca looks to reignite momentum.

There was a boost for Chelsea fans ahead of kick-off, with the manager confirming that Liam Delap is available again. The young striker will not play the full 90 minutes but is expected to feature from the start as Chelsea aim to progress to the quarter-finals.

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Maresca is likely to make several changes, but his focus on the competition remains clear. “It’s three games away from the final. So we need to have the desire to play for that. As we said many times, we need to go game by game,” he told reporters.

Key returns and likely absentees

Chelsea remain without several key figures, with Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer and Benoit Badiashile still ruled out through injury. Malo Gusto, however, returns to the squad after serving a one-match suspension for his red card against Nottingham Forest.

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Maresca is also expected to rest a number of senior midfielders, including Joao Pedro, Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez, who were all described as playing through fatigue in recent matches. Their absence opens the door for younger talents to stake their claim.

Predicted lineup and tactical adjustments

Chelsea’s predicted lineup reflects Maresca’s intent to blend youth and experience. Jorgensen should start in goal behind a back four of Gusto, Fofana, Tosin, and Hato. Midfield control may fall to Romeo Lavia and Andrey Santos, with Estevao, Buonanotte, and Gittens providing creativity behind Delap up front.

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This selection offers a glimpse of Chelsea’s next generation, one built on technical balance and energy rather than pure experience.

Opportunity for progress

With Wolves struggling for rhythm and Chelsea eager to bounce back, the fixture presents a valuable chance for Maresca’s side to restore confidence and continue their evolution under his guidance. Victory would take the Blues one step closer to Wembley and reinforce the belief that progress is being made, even amid the turbulence of transition.

Predicted Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Jorgensen; Gusto, Fofana, Tosin, Hato; Lavia, Santos; Estevao, Buonanotte, Gittens; Delap

Injured: Colwill, Palmer, Badiashile, EssugoDoubts: Joao Pedro, Fernandez, CaicedoUnavailable: Mudryk