Chelsea Battle Wolves: Key Matchups, Bold Predictions and Starting XI Revealed

Chelsea need to bounce back from their midweek setback as they host relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

The Blues have been inconsistent recently, displaying both brilliant and disappointing performances under Enzo Maresca. Following their impressive victory over Tottenham Hotspur at N17 last weekend, Chelsea delivered a poor defensive showing and settled for a 2–2 draw against Qarabag in Azerbaijan.

This result puts Chelsea in a challenging position to secure automatic qualification for the Champions League knockout stages.

In domestic competition, last week's win elevated them to seventh place in the league standings, with the upper half remaining closely contested.

Wolves can only wish for such promising positions. Without a manager and lacking a Premier League win this campaign, their situation appears dire.

The Vitor Pereira chapter ended with a 3–0 loss at Fulham last weekend, and their unsuccessful pursuit of former manager Gary O'Neil and Middlesbrough's Rob Edwards means academy coaches James Collins and Richard Walker will oversee the away side in west London.

Here's Sports Illustrated's preview of Saturday's encounter.

What Time Does Chelsea vs. Wolves Kick-Off?

Chelsea vs. Wolves Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)

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How to Watch Chelsea vs. Wolves on TV

Chelsea Team News

Roméo Lavia suffered another injury setback on Wednesday evening, and the frequently sidelined midfielder will miss this weekend's fixture.

Questions also surround Pedro Neto's availability as his former team visits Stamford Bridge. Maresca has indicated that a final decision regarding the winger's participation on Saturday remains pending.

Cole Palmer continues his rehabilitation from a groin problem, while Levi Colwill and Dário Essugo remain long-term casualties. Benoît Badiashile is also unavailable.

Wesley Fofana and Trevoh Chalobah are expected to return to Chelsea's backline, while Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo will resume their roles in midfield. The latter featured for most of Wednesday's match due to Lavia's injury setback.

Chelsea Predicted Lineup vs. Wolves

Chelsea predicted lineup vs. Wolves (4-2-3-1): Sánchez; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Cucurella; James, Caicedo; Estêvão, Fernández, Garnacho; Pedro.

Wolves Team News

Major alterations from the caretaker managers seem unlikely despite Wolves' terrible season start, but they must cope without suspended Emmanuel Agbadou, who received a red card in last week's loss.

João Gomes will replace the Ivorian and could form a partnership with Marshall Munetsi in the middle of the park.

Matt Doherty and Rodrigo Gomes are thought to be the visitors' only other two absentees, with both players ruled out through fitness issues.

Jørgen Strand Larsen is the player they'll rely on to help escape their current predicament, while Jhon Arias presents an effective counter-attacking option who might trouble Chelsea's defense.

Wolves Predicted Lineup vs. Chelsea

Wolves predicted lineup vs. Chelsea (3-4-2-1): Johnstone; Krejčí, S. Bueno, Toti; Tchatchoua, Munetsi, J. Gomes, H. Bueno; Arias, Bellegarde; Strand Larsen.

Chelsea vs. Wolves Score Prediction

A significantly changed Chelsea squad recently secured a thrilling 4–3 Carabao Cup victory at Molineux, though the Blues' lineup will be entirely different this weekend.

They're returning from Azerbaijan, so we might not witness a performance matching last week's success in north London, but it's difficult to envision a directionless Wolves team arriving at the Bridge and surprising Maresca's squad.

Pereira's departure might provide the visitors with a temporary boost, suggesting they should avoid a heavy defeat.

Prediction: Chelsea 3–1 Wolves