Wolves vs. Chelsea: Predicted lineups, expected starting 11, team news - Will Neto face his former club?

Wolves are set to host Chelsea at Molineux for an exciting clash in the second round of Premier League fixtures.

Both teams come into this game having lost their opener as Wolves were well beaten by Arsenal 2-0 at Emirates Stadium and the Blues were defeated by the same scoreline against champions Manchester City.

Enzo Maresca fielded a much-changed XI that battled to a 2-0 win over Servette in Thursday's UEFA Conference League playoff first leg, giving him plenty to ponder heading into the weekend.

The Sporting News looks at how the two teams could line up.

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Wolves vs. Chelsea lineups, predicted starting 11, team news

While Wolves are hoping to sign Aaron Ramsdale from Arsenal, that is yet to go through and Jose Sa will start in goal.

Daniel Podence and Matheus Cunha were only fit enough to start from the bench at the Emirates but could now make a start. 

Wolves predicted XI (4-4-2 right to left): Sa (GK) — Doherty, Mosquera, Toti, Ait-Nouri — Bellegarde, Lemina, Joao Gomes, Podence — Hwang, Cunha.

Injured: Leon Chiwone, Enso Gonzalez, Sasa Kalajdzic

Suspended: Nelson Semedo

Robert Sanchez was partly culpable for City's second goal at the weekend and new goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen kept a clean sheet after an unexpectedly busy night against Servette, giving Marseca a decision to make between the posts.

Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring from the penalty spot in midweek and was one of only two players, along with Moises Caicedo to start both matches. The Frenchman's recent injury woes mean three starts in eight days could be viewed as a risk.

Nkunku strikes us into the lead. #CFC | #UECL pic.twitter.com/v9oc3mO3Yw

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) August 22, 2024

Even allowing for Raheem Sterling's much-discussed exile from the first-team squad, Maresca has plenty of alternatives in the forward line. Pedro Neto could start against his former club, which new signing Joao Felix is also available.

Cole Palmer was seen limping after his substitute outing against Servette but Marseca played down concerns surrounding the England international. 

Chelsea predicted (4-3-3, right to left): Jorgensen (GK) — Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella — Fernandez, Lavia, Dewsbury-Hall — Palmer, Jackson, Neto.

Injured: Reece James
Suspended: Reece James

Wolves vs. Chelsea live stream, TV channel

Here's how to watch this Premier League match across selected areas of the world's major regions:

RegionTVStreamingUSANBCFubo, Universo NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, NBC app/site, PeacockCanada—FuboUKSky GoAustralia—Optus SportIndiaStar Sports Select 1JioTV, Hotstar VIP