Chelsea will travel to the Molineux Stadium to take on relegation-trapped Wolverhampton Wanderers in a tricky Premier League Matchday 30 clash on Saturday.
Match Preview
It will be Frank Lampard’s first game as Chelsea interim manager after the Blues parted ways with Graham Potter.
The Chelsea legend who was previously sacked on the role in 2021 under ex-Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich will hope to impress on his return to the dugout but Wolves is expected to fight tooth and nail at the Molineux as the relegation battle gathers momentum with few matches remaining to the end of the season.
The Blues will go into the match 11th on the Premier League table with 39 points. While they are relatively safe from the relegation battle, they will hope to bounce back from an abysmal Premier League run under former boss Graham Potter.
Wolves are three places from relegation on the 14th position with 28 points. However, they are just a point away from the relegation zone. A loss against the Blues will compound their woes as Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, Everton, West Ham and Southampton fight hard to stay aloof.
Wolves have played two Premier League home matches against Chelsea in their last five attempts and have won one and drew one.
Chelsea won the reverse fixture 3-0 at Stamford Bridge but it was their first win after five last attempts.
Meanwhile, in Chelsea’s last 19 games against Wolves, they have won 12, drew 4 and lost only 3.
The Blues last victory at the Molineux came in 2019 under Frank Lampard, who is currently in charge in interim basis. Since then, they have been winless in their last two visits to Molineux.
Team News
Wolves have four players who are sidelined ahead of the game against Chelsea. Castro is serving suspension and will be expected to return on April 16.
Two forwards Kaladzic and Chiquinho are sidelined due to knee injuries while Hwang picked up a knock and will not be available for the game.
Leading the list of Chelsea’s injury concern ahead of the tie is Cesar Azpilicueta who is ruled out due to head injury and will return to the squad on April 16.
Thiago Silva is also out due to knee njury. Broja and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will also not be available for the game.
Wolves Podence and top scorer will be available for the game, including former Chelsea striker Diego Costa.
Joao Moutinho, Raul Gimenez, and Mario Lemina will be available for Julen Lopetegui while top midfielder Ruben Neves will not make the lineup due to suspension.
Mason Mount is Frank Lampard’s poster boy and has enjoyed the favor of the manager when he was at the club. The England international is set to return to Chelsea’s lineup.
Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Bernoit Badiashile are also set for the lineup with Mudryk, Madueke, and Sterling ready to battle for a place in the starting lineup.
Enzo Fernandeza and Joao Felix are also expected to start for the Blues.
Wolves probable lineup:
Sa; Semedo, Dawson, Kilman, Bueno; Lemina, Neves, Nunes; A. Traore, Jimenez, Podence
Chelsea probable lineup:
Kepa; James, Fofana, Chilwell Badiashile; Kante, Mount, Fernandez; Madueke, Sterling Havertz
Prediction
It will be a cracker as the two sides battle it out at Molineux but Chelsea is expected to leverage on their quality and pick up at least a 0-1 victory over their hosts.
