Fans’ choice Chelsea lineup against Wolves: Loftus-Cheek please

Wolverhampton Wanderers haven’t been able to collect all 3 points since the start of October and have lost 5 out of their last 6 games. Despite this bad run of form, they have put in some very impressive performances against both Manchester clubs, so Chelsea should definitely not underestimate Nuno Santo’s side.

PREDICTED LINE-UP

Kepa Arrizabalaga has arguably been our best player of late, keeping Chelsea’s lead intact with some great saves at crucial moments against Fulham. This one’s a no-brainer.

After a woeful performance forced Sarri to substitute him in the second half against Fulham, it seems possible that Marcos Alonso may be rested in favor of Emerson, for whom it would be the first Premier League appearance for the season. Rotation could also see Andreas Christensen come into the side, but it seems more likely that Antonio Rüdiger, David Luiz and César Azpilicueta will all retain their places.

It’s become near impossible to foresee who Sarri will choose as his third midfielder to play beside N’Golo Kanté and Jorginho, but I’d expect Mateo Kovačić to sit this one out, with Ross Barkley preferred to Ruben Loftus-Cheek, based on previous experience.

Álvaro Morata and Willian were merely substitutes on Sunday, and are thus likely to get the start this time. Whether Eden Hazard is rested for Saturday’s crucial game against Manchester City remains to be seen, but as Sarri isn’t too fond of rotation, I’d expect Eden to start as well — the best players in the world don’t get rotated, after all.

4-3-3:
Arrizabalaga | Emerson, Rüdiger, David Luiz, Azpilicueta | Barkley, Jorginho, Kanté | Hazard, Morata, Willian

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE

The WAGNH community’s preferred lineup involves quite a bit of rotation as Emerson pips Alonso (28%) to a starting spot and Christensen is favoured over David Luiz (35%). Fàbregas narrowly beats out Jorginho (46%) while Loftus-Cheek is clearly preferred to both Kovačić (17%) and Barkley (18%) — in fact, RLC collected the most votes after Arrizabalaga. Up front, Morata and Willian get their chances to impress ahead of Hudson-Odoi (29%), Pedro (47%) and Giroud (37%).

This lineup certainly would be a bold choice for Maurizio Sarri.

4-3-3:
Arrizabalaga (97%) | Emerson (67%), Rüdiger (85%), Christensen (63%), Azpilicueta (81%) | Loftus-Cheek (86%), Fàbregas (52%), Kanté (83%) | Hazard (70%), Morata (60%), Willian (52%)

PREFERRED LINEUP

Rotation is needed, as the upcoming festive period will see Chelsea play every few days. Loftus-Cheek is an absolute must start. On the other side of the spectrum, Alonso’s miserable performace certainly would justify him being dropped in favour of Emerson, while Christensen would ideally provide David Luiz with a rest. Starting Willian could possibly mean Pedro going up against City, though I’d rather have the former Barcelona man start both games.

4-3-3:
Arrizabalaga | Emerson, Rüdiger, Christensen, Azpilicueta | Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Kanté | Hazard, Giroud, Pedro

COME ON, YOU BLUES!