Chelsea will host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on Monday night in a crucial encounter for both teams as they look to secure their respective goals. Chelsea, currently in sixth place with 37 points, are just one point behind fifth-placed Newcastle United in the race for Champions League qualification. On the other hand, Wolves are struggling at the wrong end of the table, sitting in 17th place with 16 points, level with 18th-placed Ipswich Town in the fight for Premier League survival.
The Blues have had a mixed run of form in recent weeks, with their last league match ending in a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth. Chelsea were fortunate to salvage a point, as they only equalized in the 95th minute thanks to Reece James. Despite early optimism that Chelsea could challenge for the title under manager Enzo Maresca, they are now 13 points behind league leaders Liverpool. The team has been winless in their last five league matches, drawing three and losing two, and their recent goal-scoring form has been worrying, having scored just four times in their last five matches. However, their attacking record of 41 goals scored remains the fourth-best in the league.
Defensively, Chelsea have been struggling as well, with just four clean sheets in 21 Premier League matches this season and seven goals conceded in their last four outings. Nevertheless, their home form has been impressive overall, with 10 wins, four draws, and just one loss in their last 15 home games, although they have drawn one and lost one of their last three matches at Stamford Bridge.
Wolves, under manager Vitor Pereira, are facing their own challenges. After starting his tenure with two impressive victories, including 3-0 and 2-0 wins over Leicester City and Manchester United, Pereira has seen his side lose two and draw one of their last three matches. Despite their struggles, Wolves have been potent in attack, scoring 31 goals in the league, the most of any team in the bottom nine, excluding Tottenham Hotspur. However, their defense has been a major concern, conceding 48 goals, making them one of the worst defensive teams in the Premier League.
Wolves’ away form has been inconsistent, with two wins, one draw, and three losses in their last six matches on the road. Their most recent defeat came in a 3-0 loss to Newcastle, despite creating five big chances in the game.
In terms of team news, Chelsea will be without several key players for the match. Centre-backs Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana are unavailable, and Levi Colwill is a doubt. If Colwill is fit, he could partner Trevor Chalobah, who was recalled from his loan at Crystal Palace earlier in the week. Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer are also doubts, though it would be surprising if they miss out given their importance to the team. Moises Caicedo is expected to feature in midfield, providing support to an attacking lineup that could include Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, and Nicolas Jackson.
Wolves, meanwhile, will be without midfielder Boubacar Traore, so Andre and Joao Gomes are likely to partner in the center of the pitch. Centre-backs Toti Gomes and Yerson Mosquera have been ruled out, meaning Matt Doherty, Santiago Bueno, and Emmanuel Agbadou could form a back three. Winger Enso Gonzalez and striker Sasa Kalajdzic are also unavailable, while Matheus Cunha, despite dealing with illness, is expected to feature in attack alongside Hwang Hee-chan and Lars Larsen.
Chelsea will look to bounce back from their recent struggles and strengthen their push for European football, while Wolves will be desperate for points as they fight to avoid relegation. The outcome of this match could have significant implications for both teams as they aim to achieve their respective goals for the season.
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Caicedo; Madueke, Palmer, Sancho; Jackson
Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Sa; Doherty, Bueno, Agbadou; R Gomes, Andre, J Gomes, Ait-Nouri; Hwang, Cunha; Larsen
