Chelsea vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

Stamford Bridge forms the backdrop for a mid-table Premier League clash between Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Chelsea’s dress rehearsal for their Carabao Cup final against Liverpool went awfully wrong as they slumped to a 4-1 defeat at Anfield in midweek Premier League action, relinquishing a three-game winning league streak. Stranded in mid-table, the ‘Blues’ desperately need a win to reignite their faltering quest to avoid another season outside European competition, as they commence this round five points adrift of sixth-placed West Ham. Stamford Bridge should be a perfect venue to help Mauricio Pochettino’s side get back on track, as they’ve won their last four top-flight home matches. Bidding to make it five Premier League wins on the trot at the Bridge for the first time since July 2020, Chelsea can draw confidence from going unbeaten in their last 12 home games against Wolves (W8, D4).

On the other hand, Wolverhampton’s seven-game unbeaten run in competitive action ended abruptly in midweek as they lost 4-3 to Manchester United, thanks to a goal conceded in the 97th minute. Keen to return to winning ways, the ‘Wanderers’ seek confidence in embarking on the abovementioned streak with a 2-1 home win against Chelsea on Christmas Eve. However, replicating that result could be a difficult task to achieve, considering Wolves’ travel sickness that has seen them win just once on their last six Premier League road trips (D1, L4). Defensive frailties have seen Gary O’Neil’s side concede 2+ goals on four occasions during that sequence, which has been the case on their last two visits to West London (D1, L1).