Chelsea currently sit sixth in the table with 37 points, just one behind fifth-placed Newcastle United. Wolves, on the other hand, are in 17th with 16 points, tied with 18th-placed Ipswich Town. Wolves come into this game on the back of a tough 3-0 loss to Newcastle on January 15.
Meanwhile, Chelsea were frustrated by a 2-2 draw against a depleted Bournemouth side last Tuesday, needing Reece James’ 95th-minute goal to salvage a point. While some thought Chelsea might make a late push for the title, they remain 13 points adrift of league leaders Liverpool, though Maresca has made strides with his young squad.
Chelsea’s recent league form has been shaky, they haven’t won in their last five games, drawing three and losing two. Scoring goals has become a challenge too, with just four in their last five matches, though their total of 41 goals this season is still the fourth-best in the league.
Defensively, the Blues have managed just four clean sheets in 21 games and have conceded seven goals in their last four outings.
At home, Chelsea have been strong overall this season, winning 10, drawing four, and losing just once in their last 15 matches at Stamford Bridge. However, their recent home form has dipped slightly, with one draw and one loss in their last three. The reverse fixture at Molineux back in August was a memorable one for Chelsea, as they thrashed Wolves 6-2, with Noni Madueke scoring a hat-trick.
Wolves will feel hard done by after their loss to Newcastle, especially since they created five big chances but failed to score. Under manager Vitor Pereira, Wolves initially looked rejuvenated, winning his first two games in charge against Leicester City and Manchester United.
However, they’ve stumbled since then, losing two and drawing one of their last three matches. Despite their position near the bottom, Wolves have been relatively prolific in attack, scoring 31 goals—more than any other team in the bottom nine except Tottenham.
The problem for Wolves has been their defense, having conceded 48 goals, making them the joint-worst defensive side in the league. Their away form has been inconsistent too, with two wins, one draw, and three losses in their last six road games.
Both teams have plenty at stake on Monday, making it a crucial clash at Stamford Bridge.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
Chelsea will be missing several key players on Monday, including center-backs Benoît Badiashile and Wesley Fofana, while Levi Colwill’s availability is still uncertain.If Colwill is cleared to play, he might partner with Trevoh Chalobah, who was recently recalled from his loan spell at Crystal Palace. There are also doubts over Enzo Fernández and Cole Palmer, but given their importance to the team, it would be surprising if they didn’t start. Moisés Caicedo is almost certain to anchor the midfield, likely supporting an attack that includes Jadon Sancho, Noni Madueke, and Nicolas Jackson.
Wolves will be without midfielder Boubacar Traoré, so André and João Gomes are expected to form the central midfield partnership. In defense, Toti Gomes and Yerson Mosquera are sidelined, which could see Matt Doherty, Santiago Bueno, and Emmanuel Agbadou line up in a back three.
Wolves’ attacking options are also limited, with winger Enso González and striker Sasa Kalajdžić unavailable. However, Matheus Cunha, who has been dealing with illness, is still likely to feature up front.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
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
EXPERT PREDICTION
Chelsea 2-1 Wolves
That said, Maresca can be optimistic about his team’s chances of avoiding defeat, given their solid home record at Stamford Bridge. If Cole Palmer is fit to play, it’s hard to imagine Wolves keeping Chelsea off the scoresheet.
