Enzo Maresca won't let Chelsea get complacent after tormenting Wolves in this season's reverse Premier League encounter – the two clash again at Stamford Bridge on Monday.
Noni Madueke scored a hat-trick as Chelsea defeated Wolves – then managed by Gary O'Neil – 6-2 at Molineux at the end of August.
O'Neil has now been sacked and Vitor Pereira appointed as the new Wolves boss, and Maresca is expecting a very different challenge.
“They've changed managers. It's not the same idea. I don't think this can be the last game.” [relevant] for us or for them,” Maresca said at his pre-match press conference.
“It's a new game with a new manager and a different way of attacking and defending. We can be ready to get the three points, just like the last few games.”
Getting ready for Wolves. pic.twitter.com/uL7KvkdoO6
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 18, 2025
Wolves are seventeenth and only out of the relegation zone on goal difference, while Chelsea – who are winless in their last five league games – are fifth in the table.
Pereira will be hoping to boost his side in this month's transfer window, although he is enjoying the 'battle' regardless of any signings.
“More solutions, more solutions to help,” Pereira said. “I am very happy with the team and the players I have, but we need more solutions in midfield, maybe another defender.
“We try to understand the market, it depends what we find. If we find the right players to bring along – okay. If not, it's better not to take anyone along.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Chelsea Cole Palmer
Maresca will be desperate to see Cole Palmer shake off a blow that has left him doubtful for Monday's match.
Palmer has been involved in five goals in his last two Premier League games against Wolves, scoring twice and providing three assists – including Madueke's hat-trick last time out.
Wolves – Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha has averaged 3.3 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League for Wolves this season, although he was left on the bench for Wednesday's 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
Among players who played more than 1,000 minutes in a campaign for them, only Henri Camara averaged more shots in a season in 2003–04 (4 per 90 minutes).
MATCH PREDICTION – CHELSEA WIN
Chelsea are the heavy favorites to win despite not winning any of their last five Premier League games – having won all five before this run.
Wolves may have won 4-2 in this exact match last season, but the visitors have not managed to record consecutive away league victories at Stamford Bridge since February 1964.
However, Chelsea have lost three of their last four Premier League games against Wolves, the same number as in their previous seventeen (W10 D4).
However, they won the aforementioned reverse fixture in August 6-2, and Wolves' form heading into this fixture has been dismal.
Pereira's side have lost 3-0 in consecutive matches against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle. They could become the first top-flight side since 1910 (including Forest) to open a calendar year with three consecutive defeats by three or more goals.
OPTA CHANCE OF WINNING
Chelsea wins – 65.7%
Draw – 18.2%
Wolves win – 16.1%
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