2 Wolverhampton Wanderers vs 6 Chelsea
João Félix available for Chelsea's clash against Wolves.
After an opening-day defeat, Wolves look to avoid back-to-back losses as they welcome Chelsea to Molineux, hoping to build on their recent strong record against the Blues.
Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolves were left with an opening-day defeat after a 2-0 loss to Arsenal on Match Day 1. Despite creating several clear-cut chances, a towering header from Kai Havertz in the 25th minute and a fabulous left-footer from Saka at the edge of the box in the 74th minute condemned Wolves to defeat at the Emirates Stadium. That loss marked Wolves’ fourth consecutive opening-day defeat for the first time in club history.
Having returned as unhappy travellers, the Wanderers are set to host Chelsea for their first home game of the season this weekend. Preparations went into full swing during the week, with Wolves hoping to secure their first points of the season in front of a home crowd. However, an unimpressive home record of six defeats in nine such games hangs over the Molineux.
Wolves have won their last three Premier League games against Chelsea, including a double over the London side last season. Gary O’Neil will be looking to this record for inspiration as he deploys the 4-2-3-1 formation on Sunday. Jørgen Strand Larsen is expected to lead the attack, while Nélson Semedo rejoins the squad following 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. A particularly worrying task for the new manager, whose side has not been able to hold a candle to the Wanderers in recent times.
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 formation with Nicolas Jackson in attack.
Team form
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