Wolverhampton Wanderers welcome Chelsea to the Molineux for what is expected to be a mouth-watering clash on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Vs Chelsea Preview
Wolves and the Blues began the 2024/25 Premier League campaign with defeats, losing to Arsenal and Manchester City respectively.
Gary O’Neil’s side lost 2-0 to the Gunners at the Emirates, while Chelsea were beaten at Stamford Bridge by Manchester City.
The upcoming clash between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Enzo Maresca’s side promises to be pulsating, as both clubs aim to return to winning ways.
Chelsea had to rue most of their chances missed against Manchester City despite an impressive performance, which gave supporters of the club much optimism ahead of the coming games.
They will have to be potent against Wolverhampton Wanderers if they are to secure their first win of the season.
Meanwhile, Chelsea picked up their first win of the campaign on Thursday, August 22, 2024, as they submerged Swiss side Servette 2-0 in the first leg of the final playoff round for the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League season.
Christopher Nkunku put the Blues ahead in the 50th minute via a penalty, with Noni Madueke doubling their lead in the 76th minute.
Despite the victory, Enzo Maresca’s side were not really convincing, as summer signing Marc Guiu also failed to convert a golden opportunity in the second period.
The Blues have been linked with Victor Osimhen this summer, but it is uncertain if they will be able to secure his services.
Moreover, Wolverhampton Wanderers troubled Arsenal in their opening game of the season but lacked the cutting edge needed to outwit the Gunners.
Gary O’Neil’s side showed they could hold their own against the 2023/24 Premier League runner-up and definitely should pose a huge threat to Chelsea.
Given the frailties of Enzo Maresca’s side, it wouldn’t be foolhardy to back Wolves to get something out of their upcoming fixture.
Wolves Vs Chelsea Head-to-head
In the last 18 matches involving the two clubs, Wolverhampton Wanderers have won 6, while Chelsea have won 8. The encounter has also ended in a draw on 4 occasions.
Overall, Chelsea have the upper hand in terms of the head-to-head between the two clubs, having won 44 of their 117 previous meetings.
Wolves have won 43 matches, while the remaining 30 games have ended in a draw.
Interestingly, Gary O’Neil’s side came out victorious in both meetings last season, embarrassing the Blues 4-2 at Stamford Bridge in the second leg, while securing a slim 2-1 win at the Molineux in the first installment.
Team News For Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves will have Nelson Semedo unavailable due to suspension, while injured duo of Enso Gonzalez and Leon Chiwome also remain sidelined.
Team News For Chelsea
Chelsea will be without Reece James as he is still serving a suspension for the Red card he was shown against Brighton last season.
James is also nursing a hamstring problem and he is yet to shake it off. Additionally, Enzo Maresca handed out full debuts to six players in the midweek win over Servette as the Blues boss made nine alterations to his starting XI.
Cole Palmer came on as a second-half substitute in the game against the Swiss side but appeared to have picked up a leg injury after he was seen wincing and holding his leg as he left the pitch following the full-time whistle on Thursday night.
This has made him doubtful for the clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday, August 25, 2024, although boss Enzo Maresca has allayed fears over the footballer’s health status, claiming that the England international “looks fine”.
Expected Lineups For Wolverhampton Wanderers
Sa (GK); Doherty, Mosquera, Toti, Ait-Nouri; Sarabia, Lemina, Gomes, Podence; Cunha, Hwang
Expected Lineups For Chelsea
Sanchez (GK); Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Enzo(c),Caicedo, Dewsbury-Hall; Palmer, Jackson, Neto
Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 Chelsea
Kick-off Time And Date: 02:00 PM, August 25, 2024.
