Relegation-threatened Wolves will go one-on-one against out-of-form Chelsea on Saturday at the Molineux Stadium from 14:00 GMT.
Wolves will be looking to get a badly needed win to bolster their survival bid as the business end of the Premier League season approaches.
Chelsea will be looking for a first win in three Premier League attempts; the caretaker manager will focus on getting the Blues playing with confidence again 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 he became manager. He has also turned their form around, which has allowed the Midlands club to move out of the relegation.
Wolves are currently 14th and just a point above the relegation zone. This underlines the scale of the fight they face in the business end to retain their Premier League status.
Lopetegui will be worried about his side’s form in recent matches; they have gone three without a win – two defeats and a draw. However, he will be confident they can turn it around and get the points they need to survive.
The match against Chelsea will present an opportunity for Wolves to get a statement win over their illustrious London opponents and most importantly, get the badly needed three points to aid their cause.
Chelsea’s Fight to Finish in the Top Half of the Table
Chelsea’s long-term plan under Graham Potter came a cropper when bad form and inconsistency forced the owners to sack the former Brighton manager.
It is back to the drawing board for the American owners as they chart a way forward. Meanwhile, it is up to caretaker manager Bruno Saltor to pick up the pieces as a new manager is found.
Bruno Saltor oversaw Chelsea in the low-quality 0-0 stalemate against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge, which demonstrated how off the pace these two clubs are this season.
Up next for Saltor and his Blues charges is the trip to the Midlands to face relegation-threatened Wolves, with three points imperative for both teams.
Injury Report
Wolves
Julen Lopetegui will be without center-forward Sasa Kalajdzic for the visit of Chelsea. The 25-year-old forward is nursing a cruciate ligament rupture since September 4, 2022.
Wolves will also be without left winger Chiquinho, sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury. The 23-year-old is a long-term absentee who has been out of action since July 9, 2022.
Defensive midfielder Boubacar Traore (groin) and center-forward Hee-Chan Hwang (hamstring) are also unavailable for selection on Saturday.
Chelsea
Saltor and his Chelsea charges face a few players likely to be unavailable for the clash against Wolves.
Left winger Raheem Sterling (hamstring), attacking midfielder Mason Mount (pelvis), center-back Thiago Silva (ligament injury), and center-forward Armando Broja (cruciate ligament rupture) are all doubts for the match 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. Cunha
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 play on the front foot, dominating possession and the midfield, and dictating the match’s tempo. This will allow them to create chances down the middle or through dangerous wing play from wide players and wingbacks.
Wolves will be compact and solid in their approach. They will soak up the pressure and look for openings to attack in transition. On the ball, they will be adventurous in progressing forward and testing the Chelsea defense.
Chelsea will win the match and take their first three points in three attempts in the league.
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