The Wolves Lineup That Should Start Against Chelsea

Wolves suffered a late defeat against Aston Villa last time out
Wolves suffered a late defeat against Aston Villa last time out / Catherine Ivill/Getty Images
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Nothing hurts more than a loss, particularly one against your rivals, in the last minute, at home.

But that's exactly what happened to Wolves last time out against Aston Villa, as Anwar El Ghazi's stoppage time penalty punished Nelson Semedo's clumsy challenge on John McGinn.

Fortunately, Nuno Espirito Santo's side don't have long to stew on that defeat as they host Chelsea at Molineux on Tuesday evening. Without lead talisman Raul Jimenez for the long-term, Wolves have also changed their shape in recent weeks - ditching their famed three centre-backs in favour of a more conventional setup.

Here, 90min looks at whether they'll revert back to what they know, or whether they'll continue to embrace change against Frank Lampard's side.


1. Goalkeeper & Defenders

Former Barcelona man Nelson Semedo committed the foul that cost Wolves a point last time out
Former Barcelona man Nelson Semedo committed the foul that cost Wolves a point last time out / Catherine Ivill/Getty Images

Rui Patricio (GK) - Wolves' undisputed number one would have felt hard done by come the final whistle against Villa, but has the mental fortitude to reset every time he strides out.

Nelson Semedo (RB) - Gave away the penalty that condemned Wolves to a first home defeat since September. Needs a couple of good performances to silence those questioning his ability.

Willy Boly (CB) - Surprisingly left on the bench in favour of Romain Saiss last time out, but should return with a hectic Christmas period fast approaching.

Conor Coady (CB) - The captain of the team who always leads by example. First name on the teamsheet,

Marçal (LB) - The Brazilian is in line to start his fourth game in a row, and is one of the key factors in Nuno's shift to a back four.


2. Midfielders

Leander Dendoncker was asked to play a deeper role at first against Villa
Leander Dendoncker was asked to play a deeper role at first against Villa / James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images

Rúben Neves (CM) - With João Moutinho needlessly sent off against Villa, Neves will be relied upon to set the tempo.

Leander Dendoncker (CM) - Plays best as a box-to-box midfielder, but was asked to perform a different role against Villa until late on - something he did well. An unsung hero.

Daniel Podence (AM) - After a slow-burner start last season, Podence has started every Premier League game so far this campaign and is becoming more authoritative with every performance.


3. Forwards

The 19-year-old Silva has been given the responsibility to lead the Wolves frontline
The 19-year-old Silva has been given the responsibility to lead the Wolves frontline / Sam Bagnall - AMA/Getty Images

Adama Traore (RW) - Yet to find the form he showcased last season, and has failed to contribute a goal or assist in his last 19 Premier League matches. Needs to step up and deliver in Raul Jimenez's absence.

Fábio Silva (ST) - Showed great promise against Villa in his first Premier League start. Many more opportunities to come for a player who is expected to deliver great things.

Pedro Neto (LW) - Like Podence, took his time to settle into Wolves' side. Now, Neto is one of Nuno's most reliable performers, and looks like a real goal threat.