New Delhi: After both sides lost their respective opening games with a margin of two goals, Wolverhampton Wanderers will host Chelsea in Premier League at the Molineux stadium on Saturday, 25th August. The Wolves lost their opening weekend draw 2-0 against Arsenal, and Chelsea suffered defeat at the hands of the reigning champions, Manchester City.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers celebrates (Photo by Jack Thomas – WWFC/Wolves via Getty Images)
Wolves opened their campaign against a side they had failed to keep a clean sheet since 1979. Wolves conceded their first goal against the Gunners in the 25th minute but showed signs of regaining control of the game until the second goal in the 74th minute, after which Wolves made little impact in the game and lost 2-0.
However, Gary O’Neil’s side displayed character in their defeat in the Emirates stadium but lacked the killer instinct to win the big games. They have lost the opening games in four consecutive seasons now. The Wolves won’t be most confident coming to their home turf, having lost four out of their last five matches last season, with the win coming against the relegated side Luton Town.
Chelsea
Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca’s side lost 2-0 to the Manchester City side that wasn’t playing their A-game. Chelsea’s timid style in front of the defending champions allowed City to collect three points. After Erling Haaland opened the scoring for City, Mateo Kovacic troubled his former club’s midfielder and ensured that Chelsea couldn’t come back in the game after his 84th-minute goal.
Chelsea, though have enough star players in their squad that can deliver them with their third consecutive Premier League away win. That said, the Wolves have got the better of Chelsea, having lost their last three games against the hosts. Last season they lost 2-1 at Molineux on Christmas Eve before losing a humiliating 4-2 home game.
Team News
For Wolves, right-back Nelson Semedo will serve his second of the three-match ban owing to a red card he received last season for violent conduct. This means Matt Doherty will replace him and take on defence duties again. Sasa Kalajdzic and Enso Gozalez’s knees and Leon Chiwone’s ankle are far from complete recovery. Though Rayan Ait-Nouri had come off the field during Wolves’ loss to Arsenal, he is available for Sunday’s game.
Matheus Cunha scored a hat-trick last time Wolves met Chelsea, and he will surely get a recall to the starting XI as O’Neil may opt to go with a starting lineup without featuring any English players.
For Chelsea, Maresca mentioned Cole Palmer suffering from some hamstring pain, but he will most likely be available for selection on Sunday. They will, however, leave out captain Reece James, who is suspended and serving a thigh injury. For the Conference League, Maresca made nine changes, which may happen again during the Wolves game. Romeo Lavia had a good outing against Man City and may get promoted from the bench.
Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell are still out looking for a new club before the transfer deadline on August 30. Maresca also indicated that Joao Felix may have to wait for his Chelsea debut in the Premier League, with Pedro Neto also confined to the bench against his former club.
Predicted lineup
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Sa; Doherty, Mosquera, Toti, Ait-Nouri; Hwang, Lemina, J. Gomes, Sarabia; Cunha, Larsen
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Lavia; Madueke, Dewsbury-Hall, Nkunku; Jackson
Early Predictions
In more recent times, Chelsea’s defence has been exposed to the Wolves, but that could change at the Molineux stadium this time around. Though Chelsea has conceded at least once in their previous 16 away games, the Wolves haven’t been able to capitalise on a good comeback and, hence, could lose 1-2 to the visitors.
Where to Watch in India?
Fans in India can catch the Brighton and Hove Albion vs Manchester United match live on the Star Sports network. The game will also be available for live streaming on the Disney+ Hotstar app and website. The match is scheduled to kick off at 6:30 pm IST on Saturday, August 24.
Last season after a strong start, the team encountered a phase of heavy losses despite giving their best fight.
After both sides lost with identical scoreline in their opening games, Wolves and Chelsea will both look to open their points table tally. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
