Prediction: Chelsea vs Wolves – Betting Tips, Team News, Key Facts
Verdict: Cole Palmer over 1.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet
Looking to claim a welcomed Premier League boost on Monday night, Chelsea will welcome Wolves to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea
Starting with the hosts, while Chelsea might have come flying out of the traps following Enzo Maresca’s arrival last summer, the Blues are seeking some recent stability. Although the former Leicester boss might have seen his squad snatch a dramatic last-gasp equaliser at home against Bournemouth last time out, they are without a win from any of their previous five Premier League appearances. Watching their title ambitions take a major dent over the past month, Maresca’s side have also shown some extended defensive struggles. Despite extending on their FA Cup adventure last week as they claimed a routine 5-0 romp against League Two outfit Morecambe, Chelsea have recorded just a single Premier League clean sheet since December 1st.
Chelsea Team News
All expected to leave Stamford Bridge this month, the trio of Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell and former Leicester midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will not feature here. Likewise, still sidelined with a long-term muscle injury and not featuring since the start of December, French defender Wesley Fofana will play no part in west London.
Once again getting on the scoresheet against Bournemouth and notching a 14th Premier League strike of the season, attacking talisman Cole Palmer will play a leading role. Coming off the bench and snatching a sensational last-gasp equaliser at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night, Reece James could make a first Premier League start since November 3rd.
Wolves
As for the visitors, although Wolves might have got Vitor Pereira’s tenure off to a sensational start, the Old Gold have come crashing back down to earth since opening the New Year. Putting in another worrying performance last time out as they fell to a 3-0 drumming against Newcastle, the former Flamengo boss will be more than aware that he has a real job on his hands at Molineux. Getting 2025 underway with another 3-0 loss against Nottingham Forest, Wolves find themselves at the heart of a relegation scrap. Dipping back into the drop zone, Monday’s guests should also be concerned by their most recent showdown against Chelsea. Hit with an action-packed 6-2 defeat when they welcomed the Blues to Molineux back on August 25th, Pereira’s side will have another tricky test on the cards here.
Wolves Team News
All still dealing with respective knee injuries, the quartet of Enso Gonzalez, Sasa Kalajdzic, Boubacar Traore and Colombian midfielder Yerson Mosquera will not feature. Not making a single appearance over the past month, Portuguese international Toti will not travel to Stamford Bridge on Monday night.
Forced to settle for a spot on the bench away at Newcastle, attacking talisman and ex-Atletico Madrid marksman Matheus Cunha will be handed a full recall here. Appearing to have cemented his spot as Pereira’s number one choice, Jose Sa should keep his spot between the sticks.
Chelsea vs Wolves Key Factors to Consider
- When Chelsea and Wolves met for their reverse Premier League showdown on August 25th, the Blues collected a stunning 6-2 victory at Molineux.
- Chelsea have failed to win any of their previous five Premier League appearances.
- Wolves have lost back-to-back Premier League appearances by a 3-0 scoreline.
- England international Cole Palmer has recorded 14 Premier League strikes so far this season.
- The last three Premier League meetings between Chelsea and Wolves have produced 17 goals at both ends of the pitch.
Conclusion
Eventually forced to settle for a 2-2 stalemate at home against Bournemouth earlier in the week, Chelsea are seeking a much-welcomed Premier League boost. Without a win from any of their previous five showdowns against top-flight opposition, Monday’s hosts should be smelling a golden opportunity here. With Wolves suffering back-to-back 3-0 drumming against Newcastle and Nottingham Forest since opening the New Year, it is no surprise that Maresca’s side are pencilled in as a standout contender in west London.
Verdict: Cole Palmer over 1.5 shots on target
Best Odds: 4/5
Bookmaker: Olympusbet