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

Chelsea Predicted XI Against Wolves Amid Fresh Injury Concerns

Enzo Maresca enters another pivotal weekend forced to navigate a growing injury list at Chelsea, and the timing could scarcely feel more delicate. Wolves visit Stamford Bridge tonight, and once again the Italian must reshape a side that has already experienced more rotation than any other in the Premier League this season. His approach has been criticised, yet he remains certain that the schedule and the accelerated start to the campaign demand exactly that.

Injury Landscape Challenging Maresca

Romeo Lavia’s departure after only eight minutes during the 2-2 draw with Qarabag has provided the latest setback. Maresca confirmed he is still waiting for clarity on the midfielder’s quadricep issue. Lavia will not feature against Wolves, and his absence removes an important midfield option at a moment when balance and continuity are difficult to maintain.

Photo: IMAGO

Pedro Neto will be assessed after missing the midweek trip to Baku as a precaution. Cole Palmer, Benoit Badiashile, Dario Essugo and Levi Colwill remain sidelined, while Joao Pedro, Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo continue to play through varying levels of discomfort. It is a precarious situation that requires trust in squad depth as much as tactical conviction.

Selection Decisions Shaping Chelsea Performance

Chelsea’s involvement in the Club World Cup curtailed their pre season to under two weeks, and Maresca has repeatedly underlined this as a core reason for broad rotation. The logic is straightforward, the demands on the squad are high, and sustainability over the season requires careful resource management.

Tonight may see more changes. Liam Delap is in line for his first start since August after completing a suspension against Tottenham. His hamstring lay off restricted his momentum earlier in the season, but his physicality and movement could offer Chelsea a different dimension in the final third.

Reece James, who has completed back to back ninety minute outings, could be rested as the club continues to carefully manage his workload after repeated injuries. These decisions are not simply tactical tweaks, they are critical calculations that shape the rhythm and identity of this Chelsea side.

Photo IMAGO

Match Context And Predicted Chelsea XI

Wolves arrive without a permanent manager, although the Midlands club have shown resilience in similar circumstances before. Chelsea know that victory tonight would lift them firmly back into the pursuit of the top four, a target that continues to feel realistic despite the turbulence of early season adjustments.

Kick off is at 8pm GMT at Stamford Bridge, with coverage available on Sky Sports.

Predicted Chelsea XI:Sanchez, Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella, Caicedo, Fernandez, Neto, Joao Pedro, Garnacho, Delap

Injured: Lavia, Palmer, Badiashile, Essugo, Colwill

Doubts: Neto

Time and date: 8pm GMT today, Saturday, November 8, 2025

How to watch: Sky Sports

Venue: Stamford Bridge