Wolves, who are in danger of relegation, face off-form Chelsea at Molineux on Saturday from 2pm.
Wolves will be looking to get a much-needed win to boost their survival bid as the Premier League season draws to a close.
Chelsea will be looking for their first win in three attempts in the Premier League. The caretaker manager will focus on getting the Blues back to playing with confidence and winning matches, starting with the trip to the Midlands.
Key highlights
Wolves Survival Fight in the Premier League
Julen Lopetegui has stabilized Wolves since becoming manager. He has also turned their form around, which has allowed the Midlands club to climb out of the relegation zone.
Wolves are currently 14th and just one point above the relegation zone. This highlights the scale of the battle they face to retain their Premier League status at the business end.
Lopetegui will worry about his team’s form in the last matches. they have gone three without a win – two losses and a draw. However, he will make sure they can turn around and get the points they need to survive.
A match against Chelsea would give Wolves a chance to win against their illustrious London rivals and most importantly pick up a much-needed three points to help their cause.
Chelsea’s struggle to finish in the top half of the table
Chelsea’s long-term plan under Graham Potter fell apart when poor form and inconsistency forced the owners to sack the former Brighton boss.
It’s back to the drawing board for American owners as they chart a path forward. Meanwhile, caretaker manager Bruno Saltor is set to pick up the pieces once a new manager is in place.
Bruno Salter was in control of Chelsea’s lackluster 0-0 draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, which showed just how off the pace these two clubs have been this season.
Next up for Saltor and his Blues charges is a trip to the Midlands to face relegation-threatened Wolves, with three points a must for both teams.
Injury report
Wolves
Julen Lopetegui will be without center forward Sasa Kalajdzic for Chelsea’s visit. The 25-year-old striker has a torn cruciate ligament since September 4, 2022.
Wolves will also be without left wing Cicinho with a cruciate ligament injury. The 23-year-old player is a long-term absentee who has been sidelined since July 9, 2022.
Defensive midfielder Boubacar Traore (groin) and centre-forward Hee-Chan Hwang (hamstring) are also unavailable for selection on Saturday.
Chelsea
Saltor and his Chelsea charges face several players who are likely to be unavailable for the clash against Wolves.
Left winger Raheem Sterling (hamstring), attacking midfielder Mason Mount (hip), centre-back Thiago Silva (ligament injury) and centre-forward Armando Brocha (cruciate ligament tear) are all doubts for the game against Wolves.
Possible lineups
Wolves
J. Sa; T. Gomes, M. Kilman, C. Dawson, N. Semedo; M. Lemina, R. Neves; M. Nunes, J. Moutinho, Adama; M. Kunya
Chelsea
K. Arrizabalaga; W. Fofana, K. Koulibaly, M. Cucurella; R. James, N. Kante, E. Fernandez, M. Kovacici, B. Chilwell; K. Havertz, J. Felix
Prediction
Chelsea will be on the front foot, dominating possession and midfield and dictating the tempo of the match. This will allow them to create opportunities in midfield or through dangerous wing play from wide players and full-backs.
Wolves will be compact and firm in their approach. They will release pressure and look for openings to attack in transition. On the ball they will be adventurous in going forward and testing Chelsea’s defence.
Chelsea would go on to win the game and claim their first three points in three attempts in the league.
Make sure you are connected Wolves vs Chelsea With 22Bet.