Wolverhampton Wanderers FC vs Chelsea FC, free match prediction 15 Dec 2020

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS FC vs CHELSEA FC Match Preview & Analysis

Wolves and Chelsea were both uncharacteristically poor in their weekend defeats to Aston Villa and Everton respectively.

Both of their opponents had endured rough patches of form, so it was something of a surprise how these two sides failed to capitalise, especially Chelsea who had been playing excellently of late.

Wolves have not quite been right all season, but since the loss of star striker Raul Jimenez, they have looked a little lost in forward areas, losing their last two matches.

It’s unclear for just how long Jimenez’s head injury will keep him out, but Wolves must find a solution to their goalscoring issues before they allow themselves to slide too far down the table.

Chelsea’s form, both domestically and in Europe, has been terrific of late, enjoying a 17-match unbeaten run in all competitions before their Everton failure.

With the players they have, they’ll be hoping that they can bounce back straight away here.

Teams Preview

Wolverhampton Wanderers FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): LDWLL

Reasons to be cheerful:

     ‘Underdog’ status could suit them in this game

     Manager Nuno feels he will get the tactics right

Reasons to be fearful:

     One win in five represents poor form

     Struggling for goals in Jimenez’s absence

Wolves were struggling to score bundles of goals before the serious head injury to Raul Jimenez, with just 11 goals scored representing one of the lowest in the league up until that period.

However, their fortunes have taken another turn for the worse since his absence, with goalscoring chances even harder to come by in the last two matches – it’s the first time they’ve gone back-to-back matches without scoring this season.

Chelsea won’t make it any easier for them, with the Blues having one of the tightest defences in the league. Wolves may just enjoy the status as underdogs in this match, though. Chelsea will be favourites with the quality they have in their team, and Wolves have upset many big clubs over the last few years.

They have a chance here.

Star Man – Daniel Podence

Has been lively in his performances lately, but must add an end product to his game. Wolves need more from the likes of him and Neto. 

Chelsea FC Preview

Form Guide (all comps): DWWDL

Reasons to be cheerful

     Great form despite loss against Everton

     Good record against Wolves

Reasons to be fearful 

     Missing the spark of Ziyech and Pulisic on the wings

     Wolves will be tough to break down

All unbeaten runs come to an end at some point, and Everton were the team to bring Chelsea’s great form to a halt with a strong revival performance over the weekend.

Chelsea looked short of attacking inspiration, particularly in the wide areas where players such as Ziyech and Pulisic were missing through injury. As such they only had three shots on target, compared with 11 the match before against Leeds. 

They certainly have enough quality to cope with one or two injuries, but it will be interesting to see how Frank Lampard sets his team up to play against a tricky Wolves side who will make it tough for the Blues.

Chelsea’s defence has been largely fantastic of late, and with Wolves struggling to create chances could find it easier to get forward themselves.

Star Man – Mason Mount

Came close to equalising against Everton when he hit the post late on. His creativity is needed in front of goal.