João Félix available for Chelsea's clash against Wolves.

2024-09-15

After a rocky start to the season with a loss to Arsenal, Wolves gear up to face Chelsea at Molineux, hoping to shake off their home game blues and extend their winning streak against the struggling Blues, under new management.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves faced a disappointing start to the season with a 2-0 defeat against Arsenal on Match Day 1. Despite creating several clear-cut chances, a towering header from Kai Havertz in the 25th minute and a spectacular left foot shot from Saka in the 74th minute sealed their fate at the Emirates Stadium.

This result marked Wolves’ fourth consecutive opening-day loss, a first in the club’s history. As they return to host Chelsea for their first home game of the season, Wolves aim to secure their first points in front of their home crowd.

The Wanderers' recent home record has been less than inspiring, with six defeats in nine such games at the Molineux. However, Wolves have claimed victory in their last three Premier League encounters against Chelsea, including a double over the London side last season.

Manager Gary O’Neil hopes this record provides a boost against the Blues on Sunday, as he plans to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation. Jørgen Strand Larsen is expected to lead the attack, and Nélson Semedo rejoins the squad after his suspension for the game against the Gunners.

Chelsea

Having made his managerial debut with Chelsea in a 2-0 loss to Manchester City last weekend, Enzo Maresca had even more trouble on his hands. Raheem Sterling’s camp had demanded clarity over the player’s omission from the match-day squad, forcing Maresca to take decisive action against the 29-year-old.

Raheem Sterling has since been stripped of his number 7 jersey and forced to train away from the first team. Chelsea’s bloated squad had been one of the worrying points for Maresca before the start of the new season, but no one would have thought his troubles would come so soon.

Now the 44-year-old will have to juggle squad rotation with finding a win on his second day on the job. This is a particularly worrying task for the new manager, whose side has not been able to hold a candle to the Wanderers in recent times.

But Chelsea didn't stop there; they secured the signature of previously-loaned João Félix, who could be thrown right into the squad for Sunday’s game against Wolves. ‘He is available, and for sure he can get chances to play,’ Maresca said.

The Chelsea boss is expected to deploy a 4—2—3—1 with Nicolas Jackson in attack.