Fans’ choice Chelsea lineup against Wolverhampton: Hazard returns as CHO and RLC get a shot at glory

Chelsea have the chance to keep themselves in the race for top 4 today as the Blues host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge. Already acquiring some impressive scalps this season, Nuno Gomes’ side should certainly not be underestimated as such complacency already ended in defeat back in December. Let’s hope Maurizio Sarri looked back at the came very carefully and made some important notes!

PREDICTED LINEUP

Kepa Arrizabalaga may have had some rough weeks after his refusal to come off the field, but there’s no doubt that he’s the man who has got to start between the sticks here and we’ll definitely need him to be on top of his game.

Chelsea’s emphatic win against Dynamo Kyiv saw us rest several key defenders who should return refreshed and ready to be on top of their game. Sarri’s probable back four will include his usual preferred names of David Luiz, Antonio Rüdiger and César Azpilicueta while Emerson continues to be given the nod ahead of Marcos Alonso in the Premier League.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s persisting back problems may again hinder the midfielder from receiving a spot in the first eleven and thus the usual suspects of Jorginho, N’golo Kanté and one of Ross Barkley or Mateo Kovačić are destined to start. I’m fairly confident it’ll be the Barkley.

The attacking band will welcome back Eden Hazard who didn’t need to save Chelsea during the Europa League game for once. A rested Hazard is always a more lethal one so it will be brilliant to see him combine with Gonzalo Higuaín and the in form Pedro once again.

4-3-3

Arrizabalaga | Emerson, David Luiz, Rüdiger, Azpilicueta | Barkley, Jorginho, Kanté | Hazard, Higuaín, Pedro

THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE

The WAGNH community decided to go with what many call our best lineup at the moment and most choices ended up being clear cut. Emerson easily disposed Alonso (20%) while Rüdiger returns in favour of Christensen (36%). Barkley (26%) and Kovačić’s (25%) inconsistencies see Loftus-Cheek getting the nod ahead of them. It’s also great to see that the community has rewarded Hudson-Odoi for his latest goal contribution by quite rightfully favouring him over both Pedro (32%) and Willian (21%).

4-3-3 (77%)

Arrizabalaga (96%) | Emerson (79%), David Luiz (71%), Rüdiger (93%), Azpilicueta (96%) | Loftus-Cheek (62%), Jorginho (84%), Kanté (98%) | Hazard (98%), Higuaín (94%), Hudson-Odoi (54%)

PREFERRED LINEUP

There’s not much to say about the preferred lineup as it’s a carbon copy of the community’s choice, with the sole exception of Christensen retaining his spot ahead of Rüdiger. The Dane’s shown great composure at the heart of Chelsea’s defense and also that he possesses a synergy with Luiz. While I’m an ardent supporter of Rüdiger, I’d really like to see Sarri give Christensen a run of games.

4-3-3

Arrizabalaga | Emerson, David Luiz, Christensen, Azpilicueta | Loftus-Cheek, Jorginho, Kanté | Hazard, Higuaín, Hudson-Odoi

COME ON YOU BLUES!!!