Wolves vs Chelsea Preview: Maresca's men look to bounce back from Man City loss

Enzo Maresca's first game in charge of Chelsea ended in a loss versus Man City, with the team's first away day coming at Wolves

 
10:52am on Friday 23rd August 2024
By
Martin Macdonald

Both Wolves and Chelsea are looking for their first win of the new season when they face off at Molineux on Sunday.

Wolves suffered a loss versus Arsenal, while Enzo Maresca's first competitive game in charge of the Blues ended in defeat against the defending champions, Manchester City.

Match Preview

Wolves recent form

Wolves had a mixed pre-season, winning two and losing two. They defeated West Ham and RB Leipzig but lost against Crystal Palace and Rayo Vallecano.

Their Premier League opener proved a daunting task - an away fixture against Arsenal - and they came up short in a 2-0 loss.

Wolves injury news

Enso Gonzalez, Leon Chiwone and Sasa Kalajdzic are all out with injury, while Nelson Semedo is suspended. The Portuguese right-back will return next week.

Last Wolves starting XI

Chelsea recent form

Chelsea have been rather uninspiring in their opening two games of the season, with Man City winning with relative comfort at Stamford Bridge.

On Thursday, they secured a 2-0 home win against Servette in Europa Conference League Qualifying, but the fans wanted more and let their discontent be known from the stands.

Chelsea injury news

Reece James is definitely out for Chelsea, while there are some concerns over the fitness of Cole Palmer, who has a thigh issue.

It is likely the England international will be involved in some capacity, though.

Last Chelsea starting XI

Wolves vs Chelsea - who is the referee and VAR?

Referee: Darren England

Assistants: Nick Greenhalgh, Constantine Hatzidakis

Fourth official: Rob Jones

VAR: John Brooks

Assistant VAR: Gary Beswick

Wolves - Player to Watch?

Matheus Cunha wasn't fully fit last weekend so only managed an appearance off the bench against Arsenal. He should be good to go from the start for this one.

Chelsea - Player to Watch?

Christopher Nkunku opened the scoring against Servette and with a first goal of the season under his belt, that should give him the impetus to kick on.

Wolves vs Chelsea - Prediction

Chelsea to win and Over 2.5 Goals Scored

Chelsea have won their last two away games.

Wolves have lost four of their last six home games.

In four of Wolves' last six home games there has been over two goals scored.

In six of Chelsea's last six away games there has been over two goals scored.

Scoreline prediction - Wolves 1-2 Chelsea

For all of the analysis of the match as it happens live, check out our Preview and Live Update page for the game.

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