Wolves look to kickstart season against stuttering Chelsea

Wolves find themselves with just three points from four games but will hope they can beat Frank Lampard’s Chelsea to work their way up the table.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side lost last time out against Everton, but progression into the Europa League group stages have come alongside three draws in the Premier League.

Chelsea meanwhile, are still getting used to life without Eden Hazard. Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount have stepped up to provide Lampard’s side with creativity and goals but have still managed just five points from four Premier League games, most recently throwing away a 2-0 lead against Sheffield United.

Team news

Wolves will be without Willy Boly who is suspended after his sending-off in the defeat to Everton, whilst Matt Doherty and Romain Saiss are hoping to return after struggling with injuries.

Reece James and Callum Hodson-Odoi returned to training this week but will not be ready for this fixture. Ngolo Kante will miss out through a foot injury, Chelsea will also be missing Emerson Palmieri and Mateo Kovacic will injuries too.

Nuno Espirito Santo

“Everybody’s OK with the exception of Boly, who we cannot use tomorrow. Everybody is ready to go. Romain had a problem with his international team, but he has been doing well, treating, so he’s an option.”

“Matt had a small surgery, not related to football, so we’ll leave that confidential – between the doctor and the patient,”

Frank Lampard

“Rudiger is fit to play. That’s a choice for myself [whether he starts]. He will have an important role. I know he has been important for the club and team since he has been here.

“Personality, character, quality. He is an international defender and we have missed him. As we have missed a few front line players who will strengthen us as a group.

“I am certainly pleased to have him back.”

Head-to-head

Wolves were unbeaten against Chelsea last season, drawing 1-1 at Stamford Bridge after beating Maurizio Sarri’s side 2-1 at the Molineux. The historic record between these sides reads 41 wins for Chelsea, 39 wins for Wolves and 27 draws.

Expected line-ups

Wolves – Patricio; Bennett, Coady, Saiss; Vinagre, Moutinho, Neves, Dendoncker, Traore; Jota, Jiminez

Chelsea – Kepa; Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Christensen, Alonso; Jorginho, Mount, Barkley; Pulisic, Abraham, Pedro

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