Cole Palmer and Mario Lemina have both been among the goals for Chelsea and Wolves respectively, they will both be key on Sunday. (Photo credit: GOAL)

 

Chelsea vs. Wolves

Stamford Bridge

3:00pm

Chelsea earned an extra game, which would add to their fixture congestion, but, with no European competition, the Blues can live with the upcoming game against Aston Villa in the FA Cup.

Gary O’Neil has built a strong side in Wolves; they’re punching above their weights considering their overall squad quality, an inch away from the top half of the table, straight into the next round of the FA Cup, and looking upwards and forward.

Pedro Neto’s return to fitness and Matteus Cunha finding form at the right time helped Wolves to good results in recent weeks, including their 2-0 win over West Brom in the cup. They’re in a good place and should be fine.

Chelsea’s form is indifferent; Mauricio Pochettino’s side went to Anfield and returned emptyhanded, losing 4-1 to the Kops, but it could have been worse with Darwin Nunez missing from the spot and Liverpool missing a host of chances.

Wolves lost to Manchester United at the death in midweek, clawing the game back to seeming earn a point until Kobbie Mainoo broke their hearts with a late finish. Wolves have been better away from home, which could help them against the Blues.

How will Chelsea line up? Armando Broja has been loaned out until the end of the season; Nicolas Jackson is back from international duty following Senegal’s elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations; Thomas Nkunku scored a beauty against Liverpool; and he will be happy to have a go at Wolves.

The key battle will be in the midfield, where Chelsea’s expensively assembled midfield continues to struggle. Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandes are yet to inspire confidence, but Connor Gallagher will be available to offer creative influence while Cole Palmer leads the line.

The Wolves will rely on their wingbacks. Rayan Ait Nouri and Nelson Semedo will offer width; Pablo Sarabia and Cunha will lead the line; but Chelsea must be wary of the danger that lies with Wolves’ flying winger Pedro Neto.

Both sides have good reasons to win this; the visitors will usurp Chelsea and go up to 10^th with a win, while Chelsea, with a win, would go up to ninth, just a point behind Manchester United, who would have a chance to impress at about the same time on Sunday too.

Verdict: Chelsea to win