Chelsea are on the road this weekend as they travel to the West Midlands to face Gary O'Neil's Wolverhampton Wanderers.
It's been a busy start to Enzo Maresca's reign. After losing to Manchester City on the opening weekend of the 2024/25 season, the Blues beat Servette 2-0 in the first leg of the Conference League qualifiers on Thursday.
There have been some bright spots in west London, but Maresca has a big job on his hands in the first year if he is to appease an overstretched Chelsea squad. The Italian will be hoping his squad will be significantly reduced in size next week.
Wolves are aiming to defeat new Chelsea manager in the Premier League while securing their first win of 2024/25. O'Neil's side were unfazed by Arsenal last weekend and were playing well in the second half. However, Bukayo Saka ended the tournament with enthusiasm as he lost 2-0.
The hosts will fancy their chances of getting points on the board at Molineux this weekend.
Here it is 90 min a guide to Chelsea's trip to Wolves.
Wolves vs Chelsea H2H Record (Last Five Matches)
Current form (all competitions)
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Wolves |
Chelsea |
|---|---|
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Arsenal 2-0 Wolves – 17/08/24 |
Chelsea 0-2 Man City – 18/08/24 |
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Wolves 0-1 Rayo Vallecano – 10/08/24 |
Chelsea 1-1 Inter – 11/08/24 |
|
Wolves 3-0 RB Leipzig – 04/08/24 |
Real Madrid 2-1 Chelsea – 07/08/24 |
|
Crystal Palace 3-1 Wolves – 01/08/24 |
Man City 4-2 Chelsea – 03/08/24 |
|
Wolves 3-1 West Ham – 28/07/24 |
Chelsea 3-0 Club America – 01/08/24 |
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The country |
TV channel/live streaming |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
BBC Radio 5 Live (not televised) |
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United States |
Peacock |
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Canada |
fuboTV |
O'Neil is still without Nelson Semedo after he was sent off in Wolves' final game of the 2023/24 season. He played the second game of his suspension this weekend as Matt Doherty could deputize at right back.
The hosts are also without long-term absentees Enso Gonzalez and Sasa Kalajdzic.
Matheus Cunha came off the bench against Arsenal last weekend after missing pre-season. The Brazilian should be ready to start the season for the first time on Sunday, replacing Jean-Ricner Bellegarde.
Wolves predicted to face Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Sa; Doherty, Mosquera, Toti, Ait-Nouri; Lemina, J. Gomes; Hwang, Cunha, R. Gomes; Larsen.
Maresca turned his pack around a lot during the week against Servette but a team like the one that started last Sunday against Man City should be at Molineux.
Reece James serves the second of his four-game suspension this weekend as he overcomes a minor injury problem. Ben Chilwell, Trevoh Chalobah and Raheem Sterling are among the big names Maresca dropped.
Cole Palmer left the Stamford Bridge pitch with a strained right hamstring after Servette's win, but Maresca played down any injury fears after the game. The Italian is confident that the Englishman will be ready to start on Sunday.
Chelsea predicted to face Wolves (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Lavia; Palmer, Mr. Neto; Jackson.
Chelsea remain a laughing stock for their cheap recruitment plans, but things on the pitch have not been bad at the start of 2024/25.
While Servette had plenty of excitement going forward in the first half on Thursday, Maresca's defense looked more settled against City than it has in pre-season. There are foundations to build on but the Italian will take time to find his way from a staff point of view.
The visitors won't be able to control much on Sunday, while Wolves may test Chelsea's formation and aim to play over the Blues thanks to the presence of target man Jorgen Strand Larsen. They impressed with spells at Arsenal and should earn at least a point on Sunday. Wolves' recent success in this game will give them confidence.
Prediction: Wolves 1-1 Chelsea
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