Wolverhampton Wanderers Vs Chelsea: The Blues Trying To Rise At Molineux

Marc Cucurella, Chelsea's mainstay in the left wing (photo: x @decurrella3)

JAKARTA - Wolverhampton Wanderers and Chelsea will face off at Molineux on Sunday, August 25 after both teams lost two goals in the Premier League opener this season. Wolves, coached by Gary O'Neil, lost 2-0 to Arsenal, while Chelsea had to recognize Manchester City's lead before finally rising in European competitions.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, under the tutelage of Gary O'Neil, appeared solid even though they had to lose to Arsenal with a score of 2-0 in the first week. Kai Havertz opened Arsenal's lead after receiving a pass from Bukayo Saka in the 25th minute. Despite having had the chance to equalize, Wolves failed to maximize their chances and eventually conceded again from the cooperation of Havertz and Saka. This defeat marked defeat in the opening season for Wolves in a row.

Playing at home may not provide much comfort for Wolves, considering they lost four of their last five home games in the Premier League for the 2024-25 season. In fact, six home defeats to Wolves throughout 2024 were more than the rest of the Premier League. If O'Neil fails to win again, he will be the first Wolves coach since Terry Right in 2012 to face five successive league defeats.

On the other hand, Chelsea, led by Enzo Maresca, also lost two goals against Manchester City in the first week. Despite playing at Stamford Bridge, the Blues were unable to stop Erling Haaland from scoring the opener for City, followed by Mateo Kovacic's goal who is also a former Chelsea player.

Disappointment among Chelsea fans escalated when their team failed to score in the first half against Servette in the Europa Conference League playoffs on Thursday night. However, Christopher Nkunku's penalty and Noni Madueke's goal finally saved Chelsea's face and secured a 2-0 win.

Chelsea are now eyeing a third straight away win in the Premier League after last year's win at Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion. However, Molineux has been a difficult place for Chelsea, who lost their last three meetings against Wolves. In their last match at Molineux on Christmas Eve 2023, Chelsea lost 2-1, and they also suffered a 4-2 defeat at home in February, where Matheus Cunha scored a hat-trick.

Wolves still have to lose right-back Nelson Semedo who underwent a ban on playing after a red card in the last game of the 2023-24 season. The right-back position will most likely be filled by Matt Doherty. Several other players such as Sasa Kalajdzic (knee injury), Leon Chiwone ( ankle injury), and Enso Gonzalez (knee injury) are also still absent. Meanwhile, Rayan Ait-Nouri, who was pulled out against Arsenal, is expected to be fit to play.

For Chelsea, Reece captain James is ruled out due to a hamstring injury, and his position is likely to be filled by Malo Gusto. In addition, Cole Palmer had the pain of his hamstring after the match against Servette, but coach Enzo Maresca is optimistic that Palmer will be ready to appear in the match against Wolves.

Now Chelsea, who are still looking for their first win in the Enzo Maresca era, will hope to break their bad trend against Wolves and earn three points at Molineux on Sunday, August 25.

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