Premier League preview: Wolves v Chelsea

Chelsea will look to arrest a four-match English Premier League winless run when they travel to Wolves on Monday.

Andre Villas-Boas’ men were booed off after a 3-1 home loss to Aston Villa on Saturday, which followed three successive 1-1 draws, against Wigan, Tottenham and Fulham.

The Blues have slipped to fifth on the table and have forced Villas-Boas to re-evaluate the club’s goals for this season, with the Portuguese boss now targeting a top-four spot and Champions League qualification.

The fixture at Molineux will be Chelsea’s fourth in 11 days – as opposed to Manchester United having their matches spread out over 15 – and Villas-Boas hit out at the scheduling.

“I don’t think it’s fair for the calendar to be spread in this way,” Villas-Boas said.

“For us to go through this period with 48 hours in between, it should be done for every club.”

“I know that television demands are high, but for all the players, they’ll go through physical strain and physical integrity, which can undermine their careers or their Euro 2012 ambitions – and the club’s objectives.”

Chelsea have lost five times in the league this season, with three of those coming at home.

But their away form has been impressive and they are unbeaten in their last four trips, which will give them confidence.

Chelsea are likely to be without John Obi Mikel and Branislav Ivanovic (both hamstring injuries) while Michael Essien (knee) is also on the sidelines.

While 16th-placed Wolves have won just two of their last 17 Premier League matches, they are unbeaten in three, including successive 1-1 draws on the road at Arsenal and Bolton.

Scottish forward Steven Fletcher is in terrific form at the moment, having scored five goals in his last six outings for Mick McCarthy’s side.

But Wolves have been lacking something since Jamie O’Hara was sidelined with injury, which is why the loan signing of Arsenal’s Emmanuel Frimpong might prove vital in their fight against the dreaded drop.

The 18-year-old midfielder suffered a serious knee injury last term, but has returned well and has made 14 appearances in all competitions for the Gunners this season.

Frimpong is expected to make his debut against Chelsea and could give McCarthy’s men a lift in a match they may struggle to get anything from.