Enzo Maresca is likely to name a much-changed Chelsea side for the EFL Cup Round of 16 tie against Wolves, however one player who he heavily relied on against them last season is no longer with the club.
The Chelsea Chronicle are predicting ten changes for the Blues from the tough defeat to Sunderland at the weekend, with plenty of individuals having a point to prove after they struggled in the final third.
Joao Pedro was criticised for his performance against the Black Cats, despite the fact he was given a chance to feature in the number 10 role.
A Chelsea side that looks like they are struggling to create clear-cut chances can take solace from the nine goals they managed against their next opponents, Wolves, last season.
Chelsea FC v Wolverhampton Wanderers FC - Premier League
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Former Chelsea star Noni Madueke has excellent previous record vs Wolves
Four of those strikes came from Noni Madueke, who announced himself as a genuine option for Maresca with a hat-trick in the second game of the season at Molineux.
Madueke was on the end of three Cole Palmer assists, and he was back on the scoresheet in the return fixture at Stamford Bridge.
His strike in the 3-1 win did not make him the most popular member of the squad. Madueke stole Trevoh Chalobah’s goal in his first game back since his loan at Crystal Palace.
The winger scored seven goals in the Premier League last season, however with four of them coming against Wolves, Maresca would love to have him available for the upcoming EFL Cup tie.
He left Chelsea to join Arsenal in the summer for £52m, and is still waiting to get off the mark for his new club in front of goal.
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
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Chelsea’s options for wingers against Wolves
After Alejandro Garnacho and Pedro Neto started the league game against Sunderland, they are likely to be rested for the Carabao Cup tie.
This could hand Estevao Willian the chance to be the main man in attack, as he continues to push to nail down a regular starting spot at Stamford Bridge.
The opposite wing may see Jamie Gittens get the chance to try and build on his impressive performance in the Champions League against Ajax.
Chelsea fans called for Gittens to start against Sunderland, with him only making two Premier League starts since joining the club.