FULL TIME
Wolves [2-6] Chelsea
MATCH PREVIEW & MORE INFO
Wolves: possible starting lineup: Sa; Doherty, Mosquera, Toti, Ait-Nouri; Hwang, Lemina, J. Gomes, Sarabia; Cunha, Larsen
Chelsea: possible starting lineup: Sanchez; Gusto, Fofana, Colwill, Cucurella; Fernandez, Lavia; Madueke, Dewsbury-Hall, Nkunku; Jackson
Match Preview
After a 2-0 loss to Arsenal in their season opener, Wolverhampton Wanderers are eager to secure their first points of the Premier League campaign as they return to Molineux. Despite a strong defensive effort, Wolves were unable to break down Arsenal's backline and suffered their fourth consecutive opening-day defeat. With six home losses in 2024—more than any other team in the league—Gary O'Neil's side will be desperate to reverse their fortunes on home soil. Another defeat would mark five consecutive Premier League losses, a streak last seen under Terry Connor in 2012.
Chelsea Looking to Rebound After City Setback
Chelsea also began their Premier League season on the back foot, falling 2-0 to Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. Despite the champions' lower gear, goals from Erling Haaland and Mateo Kovacic highlighted the gap between the sides. Enzo Maresca’s team, however, showed resilience in Europe, overcoming Servette 2-0 in a Conference League playoff. With two consecutive Premier League away wins from the previous season, Chelsea will be keen to continue that form. However, their recent struggles against Wolves—having lost their last three encounters—suggest a tough challenge ahead.
Team News and Expected Lineups
Wolves will be without right-back Nelson Semedo, who is serving the second of a three-game suspension. Long-term absentees Sasa Kalajdzic, Leon Chiwome, and Enso Gonzalez remain out, though Rayan Ait-Nouri is expected to be fit despite a minor injury scare against Arsenal. Matheus Cunha is likely to start after being used as a substitute in the last match.
For Chelsea, Reece James is unavailable due to suspension and a thigh injury. Manager Enzo Maresca may rotate his squad after their midweek European match, with Romeo Lavia likely to start after impressing off the bench against Manchester City. Joao Felix is unlikely to make his second debut just yet, while Pedro Neto might feature on the bench against his former club.