Chelsea is gearing up to host Wolverhampton at Stamford Bridge on January 21, 2025, in a crucial Premier League clash. The Blues are currently sitting sixth in the league table and are eager to cement their spot in the European qualification zones. On the other hand, Wolverhampton is struggling to stay afloat, languishing at 17th place and desperately fighting to avoid relegation.
Chelsea’s recent form has been a cause for concern, with the team failing to secure a win in their last five league games. This slump might just give Wolverhampton the glimmer of hope they need to turn their fortunes around. However, the visitors’ defense has been notoriously leaky, conceding more goals than any other team this season.
The Blues’ attack, meanwhile, has been heavily reliant on the goal-scoring prowess of Cole Palmer, who has already notched up 14 goals. But with Palmer’s fitness hanging in the balance due to injury, Chelsea’s chances of securing a much-needed win might just take a hit.
Chelsea vs Wolverhampton Prediction & Betting Tip
Considering Chelsea’s home form and Wolverhampton’s leaky defense, Chelsea is likely to win by a considerable margin. Even with injuries, Enzo Maresca’s team has enough depth to exploit Wolverhampton’s weaknesses.
Chelsea vs Wolverhampton Prediction | |
---|---|
Betting tip | Odds |
Chelsea -1.50 (AH) | 2.01 |
The suggested bet is on Chelsea overcoming a -1.50 Asian Handicap. Given their home performance, they have what it takes to take advantage of Wolverhampton’s defensive woes.
Chelsea vs Wolverhampton Odds
Chelsea vs Wolverhampton Betting Odds | |
---|---|
Bet | Odds |
Chelsea Win | 1.39 |
Draw | 5.22 |
Wolverhampton Win | 7.08 |
With Chelsea’s superior history and current form, these odds convey the uphill battle Wolverhampton faces. Bettors are skeptical about a Wolves win, and a draw seems unlikely given both teams’ recent performances.
Chelsea vs Wolverhampton Live Streaming in India
Fans can tune into the Star Sports Network to watch the Premier League action between Chelsea vs Wolverhampton. Star Sports Select 1 & 1HD will telecast the match live from 1:20 AM IST onwards. Moreover, Disney+ Hotstar will stream it live on their website and app.
Chelsea Team Analysis
Chelsea Recent Performance
Chelsea’s recent games have been a mixed bag. Their last five matches ended with zero wins, three draws, and two losses. A 5-0 FA Cup win over Morecambe stands out, showing Chelsea’s ability to dominate when in form. However, their league games tell a story of inconsistency.
Home team | Away team | Result |
---|---|---|
Chelsea | AFC Bournemouth | 2-2 |
Chelsea | Morecambe | 5-0 |
Crystal Palace | Chelsea | 1-1 |
Ipswich Town | Chelsea | 2-0 |
Chelsea | Fulham | 1-2 |
Chelsea averages 1.95 goals per match, indicating offensive potential. However, recent defensive lapses show a 1.24 average goals conceded. Holding sixth place, they are keen to improve their form to secure a higher league position.
Chelsea Key Players
Chelsea has a mix of key players. Jude Bellingham is a new arrival and essential in midfield. Cole Palmer, with 14 goals this season, drives their attack, although he might miss the match due to injury. Without him, others must step up.
In defense, Chelsea looks to Levi Colwill and Benoît Badiashile, though injuries may keep them out. Moisés Caicedo plays a crucial role in midfield, providing balance and linking play to the attack. Jadon Sancho’s pace and creativity on the wing are vital against the fragile Wolverhampton defense. Up front, Nicolas Jackson is expected to convert chances into goals.
Chelsea Suspensions & Injuries
Chelsea faces challenges with several players injured. Wesley Fofana is sidelined until May with a hamstring injury, while Benoît Badiashile is out until early February with a muscle problem.
Player | Injury | Expected Return |
---|---|---|
Wesley Fofana | Hamstring Injury | Mid May 2025 |
Benoît Badiashile | Muscle Injury | Early February 2025 |
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall | Knock Injury | Doubtful |
Gabriel Slonina | Finger Injury | Late January 2025 |
Cole Palmer | Muscle Injury | Doubtful |
Enzo Fernández | Knock Injury | Doubtful |
Levi Colwill | Knock Injury | Doubtful |
These injuries could impact Chelsea’s strategy. Versatility and depth in their lineup are vital to compensate for missing players in defense and midfield.
Chelsea Tactics and Formation
Chelsea is expected to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on controlling the midfield. Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández will be crucial in dictating the pace and moving the ball forward.
They will use the wings with Sancho and Neto aiming to exploit Wolverhampton’s defensive gaps. Strong defense is critical to maintaining pressure and thwarting Wolverhampton.
Potential injuries may require tactical flexibility. Coach Maresca might need to adapt to cover absences. By leveraging their strengths, Chelsea aims to dominate early and control the match against Wolverhampton.
Wolverhampton Team Analysis
Wolverhampton Recent Performance
Wolverhampton arrives at Stamford Bridge with a record that reflects both promise and challenge. Their last five outings consist of two wins, a draw, and two losses. Notably, they secured a surprising victory against Arsenal, showcasing their potential to upset ber teams with well-timed counter-attacks.
Home team | Away team | Result |
---|---|---|
Wolverhampton Wanderers | Unavailable | N/A |
Arsenal | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 2-1 |
Wolverhampton Wanderers | Unavailable | N/A |
Tottenham | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 1-1 |
Wolverhampton Wanderers | Arsenal | 2-1 |
Despite their troubles, Wolverhampton’s new manager, Julian Nagelsmann, is instilling a more attacking style with mixed outcomes. Away from home, defensively, they struggle, letting in an average of 1.5 goals per match, a factor that could heavily influence their game plan against Chelsea.
Wolverhampton Key Players
Matheus Cunha is a crucial player for Wolverhampton, leading their goal tally with ten. His role is essential to challenging Chelsea’s defense. Raul Jimenez’s return from injury brings another dimension to their attack.
In midfield, Ruben Neves’s leadership and play distribution are pivotal. New forward Mikel Oyarzabal can add a new threat up front.
Defender Max Kilman is vital for neutralizing Chelsea’s attacks. Joao Gomes’s contributions in midfield are key, particularly against Chelsea’s creative and pressing style.
Wolverhampton Suspensions & Injuries
Wolverhampton currently reports no injuries, providing coach Nagelsmann with full squad flexibility. This unrestricted player choice could be crucial in addressing Chelsea’s strengths.
Wolverhampton Tactics and Formation
Nagelsmann’s Wolverhampton is expected to employ a 5-4-1 formation with a high-press tactic, aiming to disturb Chelsea’s rhythm and take advantage of transitions.
Targets Cunha and Jimenez will lead quick attacks, supported by a compact, agile midfield. They look to counter through wide positions, forcing Chelsea’s defense to spread and creating opportunities.
Defensively, Wolverhampton aims to be resolute, aiming to stifle Chelsea’s forwards with a calculated press and disciplined passing to avert threats and launch counterattacks.
Chelsea vs Wolverhampton Head-to-Head Statistics
Past encounters between Chelsea and Wolverhampton show varied results, though Chelsea often holds the upper hand. Their last matchup resulted in a convincing 6-2 victory for Chelsea.
Home | Away | Result |
---|---|---|
Wolverhampton Wanderers | Chelsea | 2 – 6 |
Chelsea | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 2 – 4 |
Wolverhampton Wanderers | Chelsea | 2 – 1 |
Wolverhampton Wanderers | Chelsea | 1 – 0 |
Chelsea | Wolverhampton Wanderers | 3 – 0 |
The stats paint a picture of Chelsea’s offensive ability often overshadowing Wolverhampton. Still, Wolverhampton has proven in past matches that they can compete, largely relying on solid defense to challenge Chelsea.
Venue and Weather
The iconic Stamford Bridge in London hosts this match where Chelsea looks to take advantage of home support. Expect overcast weather with a chilly temperature of 4.84°C, typical for a Premier League winter night.
Mild winds and high humidity characterize the evening, but conditions for play remain largely unaffected. The overcast sky might slightly hinder visibility, though the stadium lighting ensures clarity.
Editor's Pick
