18 December 2021, 16:38 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
Having picked up a narrow win over the Seagulls in the midweek round of fixtures, Wolves returns for a difficult fixture against the Blues, hoping to run away with at least a point. Wolverhampton Wanderers FC vs. Chelsea FC kicks off at 15:00 (GMT+1) on Sunday, December 19, at the Molineux Stadium.
Preview Wolverhampton Wanderers Premier League, Dec 19, 2021
Preview Wolves are coming off the back of a Wednesday's 1-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX Stadium. After a few clear-cut chances at both ends went by, with Wolves seeing a penalty appeal waved aside, Romain Saïss (45'+1) eventually divided both sides at the stroke of half-time. A remarkable half-volley, executed brilliantly by the 31-year-old Moroccan, saw Wolves run away from the Falmer Stadium with all three points. With the victory, Wolves returned to winning ways after four games without a win: DDLLW. The 1-0 win also saw Bruno Lage’s men move up by a spot on the Premier League table, from 9th to 8th place, having picked up 24 points after 7W, 3D, and 7L. Lage left the 3—5—2 formation [vs. Manchester City] behind for the 3—4—3 against the Seagulls, but is expected to revert to the earlier shape, which proved to be effective until the red card against City. Raúl Jiménez returns after the red card suspension and could join Adama Traore in attack. Hwang Hee-Chan and Rayan Aït-Nouri picked up injuries over the week and are ruled out of this fixture, while Fabio Silva recently tested positive for COVID-19 alongside a number of other players.
Preview Chelsea Premier League, Dec 19, 2021
Preview The Blues were denied all three points in the mid-week game against Everton. After a stalemate at the end of the first forty-five, Mason Mount (70’) put Chelsea in front minutes into the second half at Stamford Bridge. But Jarrad Branthwaite (74') equalized four minutes later. Chelsea boss Tuchel said it was a freak result for this type of match. The draw saw Chelsea remain in 3rd place, three points adrift of 2nd placed Liverpool, having picked up 37 points from 11W, 4D, & 2L. Chelsea has the form, DWLWD ahead of this fixture against Wolves, and Thomas Tuchel will be aiming for maximum points to remain within striking distance of the top-two. The Chelsea boss saw his first team squad disrupted due to COVID-19 and a host of other issues. Kai Havertz has tested negative for COVID and subsequently returned to training with the group, while Romelu Lukaku (COVID-19) remains ruled out. Timo Werner and Callum Hudson-Odoi are also in similar situations regarding the COVID outbreak at the club. Thomas Tuchel could stick with the 3—4—2—1 formation once again for this game against Wolves, leaving Kai Havertz at the top of the design.