Preview for Chelsea v Wolves
Enzo Maresca says tomorrow evening’s sport with winless Wolves can be made tougher as a result of they don’t have a full-time supervisor.
Wolves sacked Vitor Pereira following final weekend’s dismal defeat at Fulham and regardless of stories linking Gary O’Neil and Erik ten Hag with the submit, they’ll head to Stamford Bridge with Below-21 coach James Collins and Below-18 boss Richard Walker in cost.
Maresca can have little data of the way in which Collins and Walker prefer to play, thus making it troublesome to organize.
“It’s troublesome for that reason,” stated the Italian, whose aspect are nonetheless recovering from the lengthy journey again from Azerbaijan the place they performed Qarabag on Wednesday evening.
“It is usually troublesome as a result of we play Wednesday evening – the gamers have been off yesterday, we’ve got a small session right now and a sport tomorrow,” he added.
“So the sport plan can be completely different, however we have to adapt.”
Maresca made seven modifications for the Champions League conflict in midweek – the fifth successive sport he has made a minimum of seven alterations – and is more likely to do the identical once more tomorrow.
Willian Estevao performed a starring function in Baku however he’s more likely to be benched towards Wolves, regardless of being bodily match.
Maresca added: “He is able to begin. However when Estevao begins, the opposite one is on the bench, and the opposite one additionally in all probability desires to begin. We try to do the very best for Estevao, serving to him adapt to England.
“Final week he was complaining about it being too chilly; final week was nonetheless October, so think about December and January. He has to adapt, he’s completely satisfied, doing implausible and for positive he’s a proficient participant for this membership.”
Final Saturday’s 1-0 win at Spurs moved Chelsea as much as seventh within the Premier League desk however Maresca insisted it was a lot too early to contemplate speak of a title problem.
“I’ve stated many occasions, I don’t prefer to suppose the place we’re in April, Might,” he stated. “I solely attempt to consider how we are able to win tomorrow; that is the one goal I’ve in my thoughts for the time being.
“If you wish to attempt to compete, we’ve got to consider the subsequent one.”
Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone was outspoken in his criticism of the membership’s predicament after the sport at Craven Cottage however says coaching this week has been good.
He informed the membership’s official web site: “We’ve labored onerous this week with James and his employees. James simply tells the lads precisely what he desires from them. We’ve not had as many conferences, however after we’ve had them, they’ve been detailed. We’ve executed some defending periods. The lads have started working, you’ve acquired to defend, you’ve acquired to place your physique on the road after which attacking as effectively.
“He’s had 4 days earlier than the weekend and it’s troublesome to get quite a lot of info to lads – what to do and tips on how to do it, within the area of 4 coaching periods. Hopefully the lads picked it up and have loved it and we are able to take it into the sport. Recent voices, recent concepts and completely different periods for the lads to brighten up.”
Staff Information for Chelsea v Wolves
Romeo Lavia lasted simply eight minutes towards Qarabag earlier than having to go off with one other damage. He received’t be thought of towards Wolves whereas his substitute Moises Caicedo might also be rested.
The likes of Enzo Fernandez, Marc Cucurella and Liam Delap might are available.
Cole Palmer stays sidelined whereas Pedro Neto’s availability towards his former membership can be decided after coaching right now.
Rodrigo Gomes and Matt Doherty are each injured for Wolves whereas Emmanuel Agbadou is suspended.
Predicted line-ups for Chelsea v Wolves
Chelsea: Sanchez; Gusto, Chalobah, Adarabioyo, Cucurella; Fernandez, Santos, Buonanotte, Gittens, Garnacho; Delap
Wolves: Johnstone; Toti, Krejci, S. Bueno; Tchatchoua, Andre, J Gomes, H. Bueno; Munetsi, Bellegarde; Strand Larsen
The way to watch Chelsea v Wolves: TV and on-line stream
Chelsea versus Wolves kicks off tomorrow evening at 8pm UK time. You may watch it on Sky Sports activities Fundamental Occasion and stream it on the Sky Go app.
Stats for Chelsea v Wolves
- After dropping three consecutive Premier League video games towards Wolves between April 2023 and February 2024, Chelsea received each conferences final season by an combination rating of 9-3
- Wolves have received simply one among their 11 Premier League away video games towards Chelsea (D3 L7), selecting up a 4-2 victory in February 2024