Wolves vs Chelsea Preview & Prediction | 2024-25 English Premier League
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
Both teams began with 2-0 defeats on the opening day of the season but the situations and circumstances of both sides are very different with Wolverhampton Wanderers pleased with a stubborn performance against Arsenal, whilst Chelsea were eased past by Manchester City.
KICK-OFF DATE/TIME: Sunday 25th August, 2024 - UK – 2:00pm / US ET – 9:00am / US PT – 6:00am
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Not televised / US – Not televised
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Not televised / US – Peacock
WOLVES PREVIEW: DIFFICULT TO PLAY AGAINST
Gary O’Neil was appointed in difficult circumstances right before the start of last season but the former West Ham United midfielder was able to get to grips with his squad quickly and they produced some well drilled and well organised performances as they steered themselves into the middle-of-the-table.
A couple of those performances came against Chelsea with Wolves managing to do the double over the Blues, enjoying a 2-1 win at Molineux and 4-2 victory at Stamford Bridge. Wolves began with an opening day 2-0 defeat at the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal’s goals being scored by Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka.
CHELSEA PREVIEW: CHAOS AT THE BRIDGE
Last weekend, Chelsea were beaten 2-0 by Manchester City in what was an excellent representation of how far they have fallen under the ownership of Todd Boehly and BlueCo. The Blues, despite the billions they have spent, have become a very average mid-table team with very little cohesion, structure or squad hierarchy.
Enzo Maresca has said, in the same sentence, that the club isn’t a mess but they do have 10-15 first-teamers currently exiled. Chelsea didn’t get plunged into more chaos in midweek though at least as they comfortably defeated Servette by two goals to nil in the first-leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League playoff round tie.
WOLVES TEAM NEWS: NO NEW ISSUES
In his pre-match press conference, Gary O'Neil has reported no new issues or injury concerns for this weekend with the likes of Enso Gonzalez and Sasa Kalajdzic sidelined with the former having undergone surgery.
Wolves also remain without defender Nelson Semedo who is suspended but they do have both Boubacar Traore and Matheus Cunha fit and available for the visit of Chelsea.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Sa; Doherty, Yerson Mosquera, Toti, Ait-Nouri; Joao Gomes, Lemina; Hwang, Bellegarde, R. Gomes; Strand Larsen
UNAVAILABLE: Semedo (Suspended), Enso Gonzalez (Injured), Chirewa (Injured), Kalajdzic (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE:
CHELSEA TEAM NEWS: NO NETO BUT MAYBE JOAO FELIX
Enzo Maresca confirmed in his post-match press conference after the victory over Servette that Robert Sanchez would remain the number one in the Premier League ahead of Filip Jorgensen but he also suggested former Wolves man Pedro Neto is unlikely to start two games in quick succession.
However, Neto’s compatriot, Joao Felix, may make his second debut for the club after joining on a permanent basis from Atletico Madrid this week. Club captain Reece James remains suspended for this one but he is also carrying an injury, too.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Moises Caicedo, Fernandez; Palmer, Joao Felix, Nkunku; Jackson
UNAVAILABLE: James (Suspended)
QUESTIONABLE: Palmer (Injured)
WOLVES VS CHELSEA PREDICTION
Chelsea were the better side against Servette and did eventually ease to victory but the Blues had to huff and puff with Maresca dealing with plenty of teething issues that aren’t helped by the hand he has been dealt as their new manager just given the sheer mess of their squad construction. Wolves will be difficult to break down for a team that are trying to find cohesion and attacking patterns of play so siding with the home team may well be a good bet for this one.
WOLVES VS CHELSEA TIP: DOUBLE CHANCE – WOLVES TO WIN OR DRAW
