MATCH PREVIEW
Wolves will be looking to rack in their 1st win of the season against a young Chelsea side when they mark 130 years of playing at the Molineux Stadium. The hosts who have 6 wins from 6 in Europa League qualification are struggling to find form in the Premier League.
The Midland’s club had a knack of robbing points off the top 6 last season. They currently lie 17th on the table just a point above the drop zone on goal difference. Chelsea, under new boss Frank Lampard, have settled after a poor start to the season where they lost the European Supercup to Liverpool and started the Premier League campaign with a 0-4 thrashing at the hands of top 4 rivals Manchester United.
Chelsea have the 2nd most leakiest defence having conceded 9 goals only behind Norwich with 10. It will be the acid test for both defences who have not been at their respective bests. Chelsea, who were 2-0 up against Sheffield United last time out, let in 2 goals in the 2nd half. They sit 11th on the table with a 1-2-1 record.
Wolves head coach Nuno Espirito Santo had all but praise for the Chelsea boss: ” He [Frank Lampard] was a fantastic football player and a very good young manager. For sure, he’ll be successful. I admire him a lot.”
The most recent Chelsea win at Wolves came back in 2012 when a 89th minute winner from then player, Frank Lampard gave Chelsea all 3 points. The last results have ended 2-1 to Wolves and 1-2 to Chelsea back in 2012.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS:
Wolves are without goalscoring CB Wily Boly due to suspension (Red card vs Everton). Spanish Jesus Valejo is likely to be handed his Premier League debut in his absence.
Raul Jimenez, who was the only player to score home and away against Chelsea last season, has been in blazing form for the Old Gold club, nabbing 8 goals from 8 matches this season.
Nuno Espirito Santo, who doesn’t like to change shape of his side, is still without wingback Matt Doherty.
Ryan Bennett will be lining up for his 100th Premier League start. Spot light will be on winger Adama Traore who can cause problems down the right channel for Chelsea.
Predicted Line-ups: Patricio, Bennett, Coady, Valejo, Traore, Neves, Jonny, Dendoncker, Moutinho, Jimenez, Jota. 3-5-2
Chelsea will be welcoming back CB Antonio Rudiger straight back into the starting XI. Defensive midfielder N’golo Kante is still unavailable, nursing an ankle problem since the Europa League final in May.
Mateo Kovacic and Pedro are passed fit for the match. Chelsea will be looking to tightening up the defence with the 1st clean sheet of the season.
Youngster Tammy Abraham can be only the third 21 year old to score braces in 3 consecutive games after Cristiano Ronaldo and Dele Alli. Ruben Loftus Cheek remains a long term absentee.
Predicted Line-ups: Kepa, Emerson, Rudiger, Christensen Azpilicueta, Kovacic, Jorginho, Barkley, Mount, Pulisic, Abraham. 4-2-3-1
Referee: Graham Scott
Venue: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton (31700)
English Premier League, Game week 5
Time: 15:30 BST, Saturday, 14 September.
