Prediction: Wolves vs Chelsea

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: 888sport

The Premier League is back once again this weekend as continue on through the always-crazy month of December. There are so many teams up and down the top flight who are in desperate need of some points on the board now that we’re in the midst of the busy winter schedule, mainly because momentum can be such a vital piece of the puzzle during this time of the year. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at what could and should be a great game between two of the PL’s finest: Chelsea and Wolves.

Wolves

Wolverhampton Wanderers may not have the hectic Europa League schedule to deal with, but they do have to contend with injuries and makeshift formations in what is proving to be a tricky campaign. They’re still more than good enough to force their way further up the Premier League table and nobody is denying that, but if they’re serious about mounting another push for Europe, they need to rediscover their lost inconsistency.

Team News

Jimenez and Jonny are both still out for the foreseeable future with Neves being set to come into the starting XI as a result of Moutinho’s red card against rivals Aston Villa. Outside of that, there are still some questions to be answered about what sort of defensive structure Nuno is going to go with.

Chelsea

The defeat against Everton definitely set Chelsea back in their title quest but with only a few days to prepare for the trip to Molineux, they can’t exactly afford to dwell on it for too long. Frank Lampard will be well aware of what Wolves can do when they hit their top form and he won’t want to underplay that, which is why fans should expect an emphatic response from the Blues on Tuesday.

Team News

Despite his poor run of form lately, Havertz may keep his place in the starting line-up courtesy of injuries to Ziyech and Hudson-Odoi. The boss has confirmed that Pulisic will indeed be in the squad for this game but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to start.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in July, Chelsea beat Wolves 2-0.
• Wolves have won two, drawn one and lost three of their last six games.
• Chelsea have won three, drawn two and lost one of their last six games.
• Wolves have scored five goals and conceded eight in their last six games.
• Chelsea have scored 10 goals and conceded four in their last six games.

Conclusion

In better circumstances it’s pretty easy to see a scenario in which Wolves give Chelsea a really good game, but they just seem to be struggling with a real lack of confidence right now. They aren’t scoring enough goals, they’re still reeling from the fractured skull injury to Raul Jimenez, and Chelsea are one of the most enthralling European teams out there. We’re backing the visitors to edge out a 2-1 win to continue Wolves’ struggles.

Prediction: Chelsea win

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: 888sport