Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Chelsea
Premier League
Sunday
24th December 2023
Molineux
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the Premier League fixture between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Chelsea: Preview
Wolverhampton Wanderers form analysis
Wolves have struggled for consistent form in recent Premier League matches, with one win, two draws and two defeats from their last five games. On 28th November, Wolves twice came from behind before ultimately losing 3-2 away at Fulham despite Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-Chan goals. They then fell to a narrow 2-1 loss away to Arsenal, with Cunha again netting a late consolation after Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard had put the Gunners in control. Wolves returned to winning ways by edging past Burnley 1-0 at home, thanks to Hwang’s first half strike making the difference.
However, they were then held to a 1-1 home draw by Nottingham Forest, needing Cunha to cancel out Harry Toffolo’s early opener. Most recently, Bruno Lage’s men suffered a 3-0 thumping away at West Ham, with Mohamed Kudus bagging a brace in the first half before Jarrod Bowen added gloss late on. Overall, Wolves have struggled at both ends of the pitch, lacking attacking fluency while also appearing vulnerable defensively. Addressing these inconsistencies will be vital if they are to get their season back on track after an underwhelming start.
Chelsea form analysis
Chelsea have experienced mixed results in their recent Premier League matches, recording two wins, one draw and two losses from their last five games. On 25th November, the Blues were beaten 4-1 away at Newcastle despite Raheem Sterling briefly equalizing, exposing vulnerabilities on the counterattack. Chelsea responded by edging past Brighton 3-2 at home in a thriller thanks to goals from Enzo Fernandez, Levi Colwill and a Fernandez penalty, either side of the visitors twice pulling back through Facundo Buonanotte and Joao Pedro. However, Graham Potter’s side then suffered consecutive 1-0 away defeats, first against Manchester United as Scott McTominay netted either side of Conor Gallagher’s leveler, then at strugglers Everton courtesy of strikes by Abdoulaye Doucoure and Lewis Dobbin.
Last time out the Blues got back to winning ways with a routine 2-0 home victory over Sheffield United, sealed by second half goals from Conor Gallagher and Noah Jackson. Overall, Chelsea have struggled for consistency in attack and remain vulnerable defensively, failing to keep a clean sheet in their last five. Finding the right balance and partnerships across the pitch will be imperative if big-spending Chelsea are to meet expectations.
