After a mixed start to the Premier League for Chelsea, they return to action at Molineux on Saturday afternoon against tough opposition then follow that up a week later against Premier League contenders Liverpool. Chelsea could easily lose both of these fixtures and be left on 5 points after six games. If other results go against them, Chelsea could be in the bottom three for the first time in 19 years.

First up are Wolves, who have also had an underwhelming start to the campaign. Yet to win a game, Wolves will be looking to prey on Chelsea’s defensive issues and counter-attack at speed.  Chelsea, on the other hand, will be hoping to apply early pressure and capitalise on any chances created. With Tammy Abraham in fine scoring form and Mason Mount having a strong start to the season, Lampard will hope his young guns can continue their impressive starts to the season and secure all three points for the Blues. 

Chelsea currently has an injury crisis with six first-team players injured, and with  Emerson picking up a knock-on international duty for Italy, Lampard hopes for some good news soon. Emerson has been one of Chelsea’s better performers this season. Emerson has been solid and reliable in defence and has provided overlapping runs which have caused most teams to target Azpilicueta this season as he is seen as an easier target.  However, with the likely return of Marcus Alonso, Wolves have the option to target both flanks. Wolves will likely start with Traore in the right wing-back role who should flourish against an ageing Alonso. Chelsea’s shaky defence might be shaken again this weekend. 

A trip to Molineux is a tricky away fixture and with the return of the Champions League and a visit from Liverpool this month, Chelsea will hope to pick up the points to gain some much-needed momentum ahead of a busy fixture list.