Chelsea’s promising pre-Christmas form has evaporated in the new year, with the Blues enduring a five-match winless run in the Premier League (D3, L2).

Once seen as Liverpool’s closest title challengers, Enzo Maresca’s side has tumbled out of the top four and faces an uphill battle to revive their season.

A clash with relegation-threatened Wolves offers a chance for redemption, but recent meetings between the sides suggest it won’t be straightforward.  

Wolves, under Vítor Pereira, are battling to escape the relegation zone, but two heavy 3-0 losses in their last two league outings leave them dangerously close to the drop.

Their survival hopes will hinge on avoiding a third successive loss by 3+ goals, a feat last seen in the top flight by Nottingham Forest in 1910.  

Chelsea: Fighting to Rebound  

Chelsea’s early-season promise has been overshadowed by a string of underwhelming performances.

Their most recent league win came before Christmas, and they’ve failed to capitalise on home advantage in recent matches.

However, Monday nights have historically been kind to the Blues, as they’ve won five of their last six Monday-held Premier League home games (D1), with four of those victories coming without conceding a goal.  

The reverse fixture against Wolves in August offers a glimmer of hope.

Chelsea secured a commanding 6-2 win at Molineux, with Noni Madueke stealing the show with a hat-trick.

The Blues will hope to recapture that attacking flair as they aim to reignite their campaign, but they may have to do that without Cole Palmer, who Maresca said is a doubt for the game due to a kick.

Wolves: Fighting for Survival  

Wolves’ initial boost under Vítor Pereira has faded, with their last two league matches resulting in heavy defeats.

They currently sit just above the relegation zone, with goal difference the only factor keeping them out of the bottom three.

Their struggles in the capital persist, as they haven’t kept a Premier League clean sheet in London since February 2022.  

Their away form against Chelsea is daunting, and they’ll need a resilient performance to avoid becoming the first team in over a century to lose their opening three league games of a calendar year by 3+ goals.

Jørgen Strand Larsen, who scored against Chelsea in the reverse fixture, will be key to their attacking hopes, though his goals have yet to translate into victories for Wolves.  

Tactical Insights :

– Chelsea: Maresca’s side will look to dominate possession and use their creative midfielders to unlock Wolves’ shaky defence.

Quick transitions and exploiting wide areas could be crucial, especially with Madueke in form.  

– Wolves: Pereira’s men may prioritise defensive solidity, aiming to frustrate Chelsea and capitalise on counterattacks.

Larsen’s physicality and ability to hold up play will be pivotal in relieving pressure and creating chances.  

Players to Watch :

– Chelsea: Noni Madueke

 The winger scored a sensational hat-trick in the reverse fixture and has been a second-half specialist this season, with five of his six goals coming after the break.  

– Wolves: Jørgen Strand Larsen

 The Norwegian striker opened his account against Chelsea in August but has yet to experience a win in his scoring appearances. He’ll hope to change that at Stamford Bridge.  

Potential Lineups:

Chelsea: 4-2-3-1 – Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Tosin, Cucurella; Caicedo, Enzo, Madueke, Felix, Sancho; Jackson.

Wolves: 3-4-2-1 – Sa; Doherty, Bueno, Agbadou; Gomes, Andre, Joao Gomes, Ait-Nouri; Guedes, Cunha; Larsen

 Key Stats  :

– Chelsea have won five of their last six Monday Premier League home games (D1), with four wins ‘to nil.’  

– Wolves are winless in their last three Premier League games (D1, L2), conceding six goals across their last two matches.  

– Wolves haven’t kept a Premier League clean sheet in London since February 2022.  

– Noni Madueke scored a hat-trick in Chelsea’s 6-2 win over Wolves earlier this season.  

Where to Watch: 

United Kingdom: Sky Sports

United States: USA (Telemundo) 

Canada: Fubo TV 

India: Star Sports Select HD1

Australia: Optus Sport. 

Nigeria: SuperSports.

Score Prediction: Chelsea 3-1 Wolves  

Conclusion :

Despite their struggles, Chelsea’s superior quality and historical dominance over Wolves should see them return to winning ways.

Wolves’ defensive frailties and poor form in London could lead to another tough outing for Pereira’s men.