Wolves v Chelsea – Line-ups, stats and preview

Match Preview for Wolves v Chelsea

Molineux hosts one of many standout fixtures of the EFL Cup fourth spherical on Wednesday night time as Wolves tackle Chelsea.

Wolves have lifted the League Cup twice of their historical past – in 1974 and 1980 – whereas Chelsea have gained the trophy 5 occasions, most not too long ago in 2015.

For Wolves, it’s been a brutal season below Vitor Pereira. The Midlands membership sit backside of the Premier League with simply two factors from their opening 9 matches, and so they come into this sport on the again of a 3-2 defeat to Burnley.

But, the EFL Cup has been a welcome distraction, Wolves have already crushed West Ham and Everton to succeed in this stage and can hope to make Molineux a fortress as soon as once more.

Traditionally, Wolves have held their very own in opposition to Chelsea in latest conferences, successful three of the final 5 encounters.

Nevertheless, the final two have each gone the best way of the Londoners, together with a 6-2 thumping at Molineux in August 2024 and a 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge in January 2025.

Chelsea, in the meantime, suffered a setback on the weekend as they had been crushed 2-1 by Sunderland, ending a four-match successful streak in all competitions. Enzo Maresca’s males at present sit ninth within the Premier League with 14 factors from 9 video games.

The Blues edged previous Lincoln Metropolis 2-1 within the third spherical of this competitors and will probably be wanting to bounce again earlier than their essential league journey to Tottenham.

Group information for Wolves v Chelsea

Wolves will as soon as once more be with out younger striker Leon Chiwome, who’s sidelined with a knee damage. In any other case, Pereira has a close to full-strength squad to select from.

The Portuguese coach is anticipated to discipline a powerful XI, with potential begins for Hwang Hee-chan and João Gomes after each started on the bench on the weekend. Jorgen Strand Larsen, who has returned to health, ought to proceed to steer the road after netting three objectives in his final 5 appearances.

Chelsea have an extended damage checklist. Mykhaylo Mudryk is suspended, whereas Levi Colwill (knee), Dario Essugo (thigh), Liam Delap (thigh), Cole Palmer (groin) and Benoît Badiashile (muscle) are all unavailable.

Maresca is more likely to rotate, handing alternatives to a number of fringe gamers. Malo Gusto returns from suspension and may slot in at right-back, whereas Wesley Fofana, Andrey Santos, Romeo Lavia, Jorrel Hato, Jamie Gittens and Tyrique George are anticipated to function. Alejandro Garnacho, who scored his first Chelsea objective at Sunderland, is ready to maintain his place in assault.