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Preview: Chelsea visit Wolves for Carabao Cup clash

Preview: Chelsea visit Wolves for Carabao Cup clash

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Vítor Pereira’s side have found some solace in the League Cup following a dismal start to their Premier League campaign, although Chelsea at Molineux on Wednesday will be their toughest test so far.

By Alex Roberts

Wolves’ two wins of the season so far have come in this tournament, beating fellow strugglers West Ham in the first round before going on to get the better of Everton in the previous.

As for Chelsea, their laboured 2-1 comeback win over League One side Lincoln City was one of several disappointing results from Enzo Maresca’s side so far. They’ll have to be much better if they want to progress this time around.

Is it time to worry about João Pedro?

Pedro stepped off a Brazilian beach and into the Chelsea first team in the summer, playing a key role in the side’s Club World Cup triumph. While he started the season well, his form has since dropped off a cliff.

The forward has now gone ten games for club and country without a goal, only providing a single assist, in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Brentford during that time. Pedro has only been at the club a few months, but he already looks bereft of confidence.

In the 2-1 defeat to Sunderland over the weekend, where he played in his preferred position as more of a number ten, behind Marc Guiu, he had just three touches in the opposition box, made two passes into the final third, and was dispossessed three times. 

With his performances through the floor, perhaps a lower pressure cup game against Wolves is a good place to get back on it.

The start of something good?

Wolves were disappointing in their 3-2 defeat to Burnley, but the fans can take hope from the fact that main man Jørgen Strand Larsen was back amongst the goals, even if it was a penalty.

The Norwegian has impressed in this season’s League Cup, coming off the bench to score two goals in two minutes to send his side through against West Ham. He didn’t score in the win over Everton, but considering his recent fitness issues, he got some much-needed minutes in those legs.

It’s starting to feel like the writing is on the walls for Wolves, in the league at least, but stranger things have happened, and if Pereira wants to save their season, he will need to do everything he can to get the best out of Strand Larsen.

Team News

Chelsea’s injury crisis is slowly subsiding, but they’ll still be without Levi Colwill (knee), Dário Essugo (thigh), Liam Delap (thigh), Cole Palmer (groin) and Benoît Badiashile (muscle).

Maresca will likely make a few changes following their defeat to Sunderland, with Wesley Fofana, Andrey Santos, Romeo Lavia, Jorrel Hato, Jamie Gittens, and Tyrique George all available to return to Chelsea’s starting XI. Malo Gusto is also back from suspension.

As for Wolves, Pereira has a clean bill of health with no players expected to miss out through injury or suspension. Expect him to play a strong side, he knows better than anyone his side needs a win.

Prediction

We’re not expecting a particularly exciting game here. Chelsea should dominate proceedings and have most of the ball but considering their recent form, might be a little nervous if they don’t get an early goal. So we’re going with a 2-1 win for the visitors.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Carabao Cup with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.

Preview: Chelsea visit Wolves for Carabao Cup clash

Vítor Pereira’s side have found some solace in the League Cup following a dismal start to their Premier League campaign, although Chelsea at Molineux on Wednesday will be their toughest test so far.

By Alex Roberts

Wolves’ two wins of the season so far have come in this tournament, beating fellow strugglers West Ham in the first round before going on to get the better of Everton in the previous.

As for Chelsea, their laboured 2-1 comeback win over League One side Lincoln City was one of several disappointing results from Enzo Maresca’s side so far. They’ll have to be much better if they want to progress this time around.

Is it time to worry about João Pedro?

Pedro stepped off a Brazilian beach and into the Chelsea first team in the summer, playing a key role in the side’s Club World Cup triumph. While he started the season well, his form has since dropped off a cliff.

The forward has now gone ten games for club and country without a goal, only providing a single assist, in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Brentford during that time. Pedro has only been at the club a few months, but he already looks bereft of confidence.

In the 2-1 defeat to Sunderland over the weekend, where he played in his preferred position as more of a number ten, behind Marc Guiu, he had just three touches in the opposition box, made two passes into the final third, and was dispossessed three times. 

With his performances through the floor, perhaps a lower pressure cup game against Wolves is a good place to get back on it.

The start of something good?

Wolves were disappointing in their 3-2 defeat to Burnley, but the fans can take hope from the fact that main man Jørgen Strand Larsen was back amongst the goals, even if it was a penalty.

The Norwegian has impressed in this season’s League Cup, coming off the bench to score two goals in two minutes to send his side through against West Ham. He didn’t score in the win over Everton, but considering his recent fitness issues, he got some much-needed minutes in those legs.

It’s starting to feel like the writing is on the walls for Wolves, in the league at least, but stranger things have happened, and if Pereira wants to save their season, he will need to do everything he can to get the best out of Strand Larsen.

Team News

Chelsea’s injury crisis is slowly subsiding, but they’ll still be without Levi Colwill (knee), Dário Essugo (thigh), Liam Delap (thigh), Cole Palmer (groin) and Benoît Badiashile (muscle).

Maresca will likely make a few changes following their defeat to Sunderland, with Wesley Fofana, Andrey Santos, Romeo Lavia, Jorrel Hato, Jamie Gittens, and Tyrique George all available to return to Chelsea’s starting XI. Malo Gusto is also back from suspension.

As for Wolves, Pereira has a clean bill of health with no players expected to miss out through injury or suspension. Expect him to play a strong side, he knows better than anyone his side needs a win.

Prediction

We’re not expecting a particularly exciting game here. Chelsea should dominate proceedings and have most of the ball but considering their recent form, might be a little nervous if they don’t get an early goal. So we’re going with a 2-1 win for the visitors.

(Cover image from IMAGO)

You can follow every game from the Carabao Cup with FotMob this season — featuring deep stats coverage, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.