LIVE: Broja Starts, Nkunku on the bench as Blues seek Christmas Eve victory over Wolves at the Molineux
As the footballing world gears up for a festive showdown, Wolves and Chelsea are set to lock horns in what promises to be a thrilling encounter on Christmas Eve at Molineux. The stakes are high, the atmosphere electric, and the drama unfolds with a backdrop of team news and intriguing match facts.
Team News:
Wolves, buoyed by the return of goalkeeper Jose Sa from a shoulder injury, look to bounce back from their recent defeat against West Ham. The potential return of Pedro Neto after a two-month hiatus due to a hamstring injury adds firepower to the Wolves’ attack, complemented by the recovery of Nelson Semedo from illness.
On the other side of the pitch, Chelsea faces defensive setbacks with Reece James sidelined after hamstring surgery. Enzo Fernandez’s absence due to a hernia issue further challenges the Blues, who, however, welcome back players like Romeo Lavia, Noni Madueke, and Lesley Ugochukwu, with Lavia potentially making his debut after joining from Southampton in August.
Match Facts:
The historical narrative adds another layer of intrigue to this clash. Wolves, eyeing a rare feat, aim to secure consecutive league victories against Chelsea for the first time since 1975. The Blues, on the other hand, face the challenge of breaking their winless streak in three previous visits to Molineux.
In a unique Christmas Eve fixture, only the second in Premier League history, the stage is set for a memorable showdown. The last time these clubs played on December 24 was in 1966, with Wolves securing a 5-3 victory over Derby County, while Chelsea succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Liverpool.
Wolverhampton Wanderers:
Wolves boast an impressive unbeaten run of six Premier League games at Molineux, winning three and drawing three. Their scoring prowess is evident in a streak of 15 consecutive home games with goals, the longest since the 1969-70 season. Notably, Hwang Hee-chan has been a standout performer, netting eight goals in 17 games this season, with six of those coming at Molineux.
Wolves’ historical dominance against London opposition at home adds another layer of confidence, having won six successive top-flight home games against teams from the capital, conceding just one goal in the process.
Chelsea:
Chelsea enters the contest on the back of a challenging away form, having lost three successive Premier League games on the road, their worst away run since 2000. The Blues are hungry for a victory to break this streak and aim for back-to-back league wins for only the third time in 2023.
Raheem Sterling’s impressive record against Wolves, being involved in six goals in his last six Premier League games against them, adds a touch of individual brilliance to Chelsea’s attacking arsenal.
As the festive season unfolds, this clash between Wolves and Chelsea promises a spectacle of footballing prowess, historical significance, and the determination of two top-flight teams eager to make their mark on this special Christmas Eve fixture. Stay tuned for live updates as the drama unfolds at Molineux!
🔴 Live Blog
Starting XI
Today, Moises Caicedo is sidelined, and Enzo Fernandez is also unavailable, paving the way for Lesley Ugochukwu’s return to the starting lineup after a brief injury hiatus.
In an exciting development, Romeo Lavia earns his spot in the Chelsea matchday squad for the first time, sparking speculation about a potential debut at Molineux. On the bench alongside him is Christopher Nkunku.
The striking duo of Nicolas Jackson and Armando Broja, who previously shared the pitch for 60 minutes against Newcastle, are set to team up again. Jackson, often deployed on the left wing, brings versatility that may allow Chelsea to stick to their tried-and-true 4-2-3-1 formation in the clash against Wolves.
No Pedro Neto in the Wolves squad this afternoon – they had hoped to have their star man back. Chelsea will be fairly relieved to see he is still absent.