Chelsea have been winless in five Premier League games but can move up to fourth place in the table with a win on Monday evening against youth club Wolves.
Captain Reece James is fit enough to start, while Cole Palmer retains his place after suffering a fitness problem late last week.
Wolves could close the gap on Everton above them with three crucial away points – and they won that game 4-2 last season.
This is how the teams line up.
Chelsea team news
James only made six appearances all season but returns from the start for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Also included is Trevoh Chalobah, who was recalled early from a loan spell at Crystal Palace, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall makes his first league start for the club.
Monday evening XI. 📋#CFC | #CHEWOL pic.twitter.com/qC8buumMFx
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 20, 2025
Chelsea XI: Robert Sánchez, Marc Cucurella, Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Reece James, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Moisés Caicedo, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson
Wolves team news
Matheus Cunha scored a hat-trick in this game last season but was on the bench in last week’s defeat at Newcastle following suspension.
He comes back into the game while Nelson Semedo starts at full-back and Pablo Sarabia also comes into attack.
Wolves have not kept a clean sheet in London since February 2022 – a run of 22 games. Is tonight the night?
3️⃣ Three changes from #NEWWOL
➡️ Semedo, Sarabia and Cunha in the elevenHow we compete against each other @ChelseaFC.
– Wolves (@Wolves) January 20, 2025
Wolves XI: José Sá, Emmanuel Agbadou, Santiago Bueno, Matt Doherty, Rayan Aït-Nouri, João Gomes, André, Nélson Semedo, Matheus Cunha, Pablo Sarabia, Jørgen Strand Larsen
