Wolverhampton Wanderers welcome Chelsea to Molineux on Saturday afternoon, with both clubs approaching the fixture from very different angles. Wolves are fighting to avoid an unwanted place in Premier League history, while Chelsea arrive buoyed by renewed belief under Liam Rosenior after their dramatic league turnaround, including the memorable comeback win over West Ham reported by SoftFootball.
That resurgence has kept the Blues firmly in the hunt for Champions League qualification as February’s fixtures gather momentum. Chelsea’s visit comes just days after their Carabao Cup exit to Arsenal, a result that ended a strong cup run but did little to derail league optimism, as seen in their recent form highlighted by SoftFootball.
Wolves, meanwhile, remain at the bottom of the table, struggling for goals and confidence despite showing flashes of improvement under Rob Edwards. The contrast in pressure and ambition sets the tone for a tense afternoon in the Midlands.
Team News
Chelsea continue to battle injuries. Levi Colwill is ruled out for the season with a knee injury, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Romeo Lavia and Dario Essugo are also sidelined. Jamie Gittens faces a lengthy absence after suffering a hamstring tear against West Ham, and Mykhaylo Mudryk remains suspended.
Liam Rosenior offered cautious optimism on Reece James and Pedro Neto in a post shared by the club’s official X account, explaining that both trained and will be assessed closer to kick-off.
He confirmed Cole Palmer and Estevao Willian are fit while addressing Gittens’ setback, saying:
That’s a real shame for him… that’s going to be a big miss for us.
Wolves have fewer concerns. Toti Gomes remains out with a thigh injury, but Ladislav Krejci has returned from illness. January additions Angel Gomes and Adam Armstrong are both in contention to make their debuts as Wolves attempt to rediscover attacking threat following Jorgen Strand Larsen’s departure.
Possible Lineups
Wolves: Sa; Mosquera, S. Bueno, Krejci; Tchatchoua, Andre, Mane, J. Gomes, H. Bueno; Hwang, Armstrong.
Chelsea: Sanchez; James, Chalobah, Fofana, Cucurella; Caicedo, Fernandez; Estevao, Palmer, Garnacho; Pedro.
SoftFootball’s Prediction
History favours Chelsea, who have won the last four meetings and tend to enjoy trips to Molineux. Wolves’ ongoing issues in front of goal, combined with Chelsea’s growing control and confidence under Rosenior, tilt the balance firmly toward the visitors. Wolves may compete early, but Chelsea’s quality in midfield and attack should tell over 90 minutes.
Prediction: Wolves 0-3 Chelsea
