Chelsea vs Wolves: Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Chelsea FC will play in a group-stage match in the English Premier League this Sunday. The second ever Christmas Eve Premier League match will take place at Molineux on Sunday afternoon, adding to the holiday cheer. Wolves and Chelsea will face each other in the heart of the West Midlands for an interesting match.
Preview Chelsea vs Wolves: Chelsea challenge Wolves in a crucial match at Molineux despite recent struggles
Gary O’Neill Wolves lost 3-0 to West Ham in their most recent Premier League match, and disappointed supporters unwittingly witnessed a Lucas Paqueta spectacle at the London Stadium. The master became the second member of the Seleção squad to provide three assists in a Brazilian Premier League match. O’Neill lamented his team “disastrous decision-making” as they lost for the fourth consecutive game despite having the majority of possession and scoring opportunities.
Despite the defeat, Wolves are still 13th in the standings, with a 10-point cushion between them and the demotion zone. Molineux supporters have reason for relief given their team impressive home record, which includes wins over Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in their last six Premier League games. Wolves will be looking to maintain their strong home record against Chelsea.
On the other hand, Chelsea are having a tough season under Mauricio Pochettino and are now outside the top six. After consecutive defeats, the Blues have received a morale boost by progressing to the FA Cup semi-finals. Problems have arisen due to injuries to key players, including the recent withdrawal of Christopher Nkunku. Cole Palmer, a young player, has emerged as Chelsea top performer despite the challenges, leading a roster full of high-value players.
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Wolves and Chelsea face off with both clubs looking for important wins Wolves looking to move up the table, and Chelsea looking to top the league. This is a crucial match as Chelsea look to consolidate their league position while Wolves look to bounce back from their recent decline. It is going to be an exciting battle at Molineux.
Match Summary of Chelsea vs Wolves
Head-to-Head: Cup win for Chelsea and Pochettino return to Stamford Bridge
Chelsea, a project critic of, went far enough to win at home to the EFL Cup quarter-finals. Callum Wilson excellent solo effort looked to be the game-winning goal against a tired Newcastle team, but Trippier error resulted in a penalty for Mykhaylo Mudryk exploit. Despite a setback, Đorđe Petrovic heroics sealed Chelsea place in the two-leg semi-final against Middlesbrough.
At Stamford Bridge, Mauricio Pochettino, who is yet to receive his first English football team honour, is leading the comeback. The 10th-placed Blues are currently balanced in mid-table after beating Sheffield United 2-0. Despite three consecutive wins away from home in October and November, Chelsea have struggled in their last three road games against Newcastle United, Manchester United and Everton.
Chelsea will look to end their winning streak at Molineux against Wolves, who beat them 1-0 on their previous visit in April. Chelsea have not won at Molineux since 2019. Notably, Chelsea 2000 Christmas Day draw with Ipswich Town broke a similar losing streak.
Despite Chelsea difficulties, Wolves attacking line-up of Hwang Hee-chan, Matheus Cunha and Pablo Sarabia has its own difficulties, made worse by the absence of Pedro Neto. Nevertheless, Wolves, under Gary O’Neill, are known to be a tough opponent due to their disciplined team, strong midfield and effective counterattacks. At Molineux, the stage is set for an exciting match with both sides looking to prove that they can overcome recent setbacks and succeed.
Team Update: Pedro Neto surprise return to Wolves encourages hope for Chelsea ongoing injury problems
Pedro Neto return was revealed by Gary O’Neill in his pre-game press conference, which came as a pleasant surprise to Wolves supporters. The key prop is expected to return to action on Sunday, after missing a full week of team training since October 28 due to a thigh ailment.
Despite missing two months of play, Neto leads the Premier League assist table with seven, ahead of Kieran Trippier and Mohamed Salah. The additions of Jose Sa and Nelson Semedo provide further depth to the Wolves squad. But Jonny is still out due to an incident on the training ground, and Joe Hodge is still recovering.
Injuries continue to be a problem for Chelsea with key players like Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Carney Chukwuemeka, Trevoh Chalobah, Mark Cucurella, Robert Sanchez and Ben Chilwell still sidelined. Due to exhaustion, Levi Colville replaced Enzo Fernandez, who is expected to make a full recovery. After a week of intensive training, Romeo Lavia, Leslie Ugochkwu and Noni Madueke could return this weekend.
Christopher Nkunku made his much-anticipated Chelsea debut in the EFL Cup, paving the way for their move to the Premier League. Pochettino will have to decide whether to include Nkunku in the starting lineup. Chelsea, who are struggling with injuries, will be hoping for Nkunku form to lead them this season. Pochettino made some important strategic decisions, one of which was to bench Fernandez. Chelsea hope to improve their Premier League standing and establish a consistent roster as the holiday season provides an opportunity to regroup.
Match Prediction for Chelsea vs Wolves
Wolves are rarely underdogs at Molineux, but after a worrying performance against West Ham, Chelsea comeback and Nkunku’s influence could guarantee them victory despite tired players.
Sportsgzspot Say: Chelsea 3-1 Wolves
Here is the probable lineup for upcoming match between Chelsea vs Wolves
Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Sa
- Defenders: Kilman, Toti, Dawson
- Midfielders: Semedo, Lemina, Gomes, Bellegarde, Ait-Nouri
- Forwards: Cunha, Hwang
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Petrovic
- Defenders: Gusto, Silva, Badiashile, Colwill
- Midfielders: Caicedo, Gallagher
- Attackers: Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk, Jackson
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