Enzo Maresca will again look to secure his first win as Chelsea manager when the Blues travel to the West Midlands to face Wolves at Molineux Stadium on Sunday.
WATCH WOLVES vs CHELSEA LIVE
Chelsea was 0-2 defeat against four-time defending champions Manchester Citybut the story of the opening day was Maresca’s decision to leave Raheem Sterling out of the team entirely and subsequently give summer signing Pedro Neto (from Wolves) the number 7 shirt that Sterling wore last season. Sterling’s time in west London appears to be over, but it’s just another chaotic situation playing out at Chelsea, where the club could do with some calm for a change.
Wolves were also 0-2 defeat against presumed title contender Arsenalas Gary O’Neil’s team were simply overwhelmed away from home, but should look much more confident at home. Neto’s first start for Chelsea could come at Molineux after playing the last 24 minutes against Man City.
How to watch Wolves vs ChelseaStream link and start time
Start: 9 a.m. ET, Sunday (August 25)
stadium: Molineux Stadium
On-line: Watch live on Peacock
Wolves team news and focus
- OUT: Enso Gonzalez (knee), Leon Chiwone (ankle), Sasa Kalajdzic (knee)
Wolves have been significantly weakened at both ends of the pitch this summer, with winger Neto and centre-back captain Max Kilman (West Ham) leaving the club for a combined $120 million. Four players have already been signed, three of whom are expected to contribute to the first team immediately, but that may be it.
“The club is not in a position to do things freely yet,” O’Neil said this week. “Would I like to say that centre-forward over there looks fantastic and we’re going to get him? Of course, but what we’re doing is something completely different and we’re trying our best to make the most of it.”
Chelsea team news, focus
- From: Reece James (thigh), Djordje Petrovic (other), Omari Kellyman (other)
Neto signed nine players this transfer window when he joined last week and Joao Felix, who returns to Chelsea after being loaned out for the second half of the 2022/23 season, increased the number to 10 on Wednesday. The first-team squad currently consists of 30 players, with Maresca also eyeing Ben Chilwell for an exit this week before the transfer window closes on August 30.
“I’m not saying Raheem is not a good player, but I prefer other types of wingers,” Maresca explained this week. “They (Sterling and Ben Chilwell) train separately. The situation with both of them is pretty clear. We have a big squad and it’s impossible to give all of them playing time. If they want playing time, it’s better if they leave. I try to be honest.”
Prediction Wolves vs Chelsea
It remains to be seen whether Chelsea will press more aggressively against a team in the bottom half of the table or whether Maresca will demand that they be more level-headed, regardless of the opposition. If the former is the case, they will cause Wolves serious problems. Wolves – Chelsea 1:3.
