The EFL Cup offers a welcome distraction from league troubles for Wolverhampton Wanderers, who host Chelsea at Molineux in the Round of 16.

While Wolves have struggled to get going in the Premier League this season, the competition has been something of a bright spot.

Meanwhile, Chelsea arrive looking to respond after a weekend setback and continue their pursuit of more silverware under Enzo Maresca.

Match News and Current Form

It’s been a tough start to life in the Premier League for Vítor Pereira and his Wolves side.

With just two points from their first nine matches, they find themselves anchored to the bottom of the table and still searching for a first league victory of the campaign.

Their latest setback, a 3-2 defeat to Burnley, summed up their struggles: moments of promise undone by defensive frailties.

However, the EFL Cup has provided a rare glimmer of optimism at Molineux.

Wolves reached this stage after impressive wins over West Ham United and Everton, and their performances in the competition have been far more assured.

Historically, this tournament has been kind to them, Wolves are two-time League Cup winners (1974 and 1980), and another deep run could inject some much-needed belief into their season.

Their record against Chelsea also offers a sliver of hope.

Wolves have won three of the last five meetings in all competitions, although they were heavily beaten in the last two, including a 6-2 home defeat in August 2024 and a 3-1 loss at Stamford Bridge earlier this year.

Chelsea, on the other hand, travel to the Midlands looking to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Sunderland in the Premier League at the weekend.

That defeat ended a four-game winning streak in all competitions and saw the Blues slip to ninth in the table.

Despite that stumble, Maresca’s men remain in decent form overall, and with the London derby against Tottenham looming at the weekend, this tie provides an opportunity to rebuild confidence and keep their trophy ambitions alive.

The Blues have lifted the League Cup five times, most recently in 2014–15, and are determined to make another strong push.

Their only EFL Cup outing this term was a 2-1 win over Lincoln City in the third round.

Head-to-Head History

Chelsea hold the upper hand historically, particularly in cup competitions.

The Blues last faced Wolves in the EFL Cup back in 2012, winning 6-0 at Stamford Bridge.

However, Wolves have proven to be tricky opponents in recent years, with three wins in their last five encounters.

That said, Chelsea’s last two victories were emphatic, showing their ability to punish Wolves when in rhythm.

Hot Stats and Streaks

• Wolves are winless in nine matches across all competitions (D3, L6).
• Chelsea have scored in 18 of their last 20 games in all competitions.
• Wolves have conceded two or more goals in seven of their last nine fixtures.
• The Blues are unbeaten in their last five EFL Cup games against lower-ranked Premier League sides.

Key Players to Watch

For Wolves, all eyes will be on Jørgen Strand Larsen, who continues to be the side’s biggest attacking threat.

The Norwegian has returned from injury and should spearhead the attack again, supported by Hwang Hee-chan and João Gomes, who are both pushing for recalls.

Chelsea could make several rotations, but one player who’ll attract attention is Estevao, who netted his first champions league goal for the club against Ajax a week ago.

With Maresca likely to freshen his lineup, Estevao’s energy and directness could prove decisive.

Meanwhile, Malo Gusto returns from suspension and is expected to slot back into defence.

Team News

Wolves: Leon Chiwome (knee) remains sidelined, but Pereira otherwise has a strong squad to select from. Expect a near full-strength XI, with Hwang Hee-chan and João Gomes both candidates to start.

Chelsea: Injuries continue to affect the Blues. Levi Colwill (knee), Dário Essugo (thigh), Cole Palmer (groin), and Benoît Badiashile (muscle) are still sidelined due to injury.

Maresca is expected to rotate, handing starts to Wesley Fofana, Andrey Santos, Romeo Lavia, Jorrel Hato, Jamie Gittens, Estevao and maybe Liam Delap, who just returned from a Hamstring injury.

Potential Lineups

Wolves: 4-3-3 – Johnstone; Doherty, Bueno, Krejci, Bueno; Munetsi, Andre, Joao Gomes; Arias, Larsen, Gomes.

Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Jorgensen; Gusto, Fofana, Tosin, Hato; Lavia, Santos; Estevao, Bounanotte, Gittens; Delap.

Where to watch

United Kingdom: Sky Sports

United States: Paramount+

Canada: Fubo

India: FanCode

Australia: BeIN Sports

Nigeria: SuperSports

Conclusion

While Wolves will see this as a golden chance to lift spirits and restore some belief, Chelsea’s superior depth and attacking quality should prove too much for the Premier League’s bottom side.

Expect the visitors to rotate but still field a side capable of controlling possession and punishing errors.

My score prediction: Wolves 1-3 Chelsea