Enzo Maresca explains why Vitor Pereira’s Wolves are ‘not the same’ as they were under Gary O’Neil

Enzo Maresca previewed Wolves’ upcoming clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Wolves have fond memories of the Bridge after beating Chelsea 4-2 back in February 2024.

A lot has changed since the fixture, that saw Matheus Cunha dominate Chelsea, including the man at the helm.

Vitor Pereira is in line to face Chelsea for the first time as Wolves manager and will hope for a different result than the one Gary O’Neil oversaw at the start of the campaign.

• READ MORE: Wolves predicted XI vs Chelsea – Vitor Pereira unleashes £37m star and makes Matheus Cunha call

Enzo Maresca shares Wolves verdict after Gary O’Neil sacking

Both Wolves and Chelsea have experienced considerable change since the two sides met at Stamford Bridge in February.

Pedro Neto starred for Wolves against Chelsea during the 4-2 win and now, the Portuguese will be lining up for the Blues.

Pereira will be hopeful of a result matching the one last season at the Bridge rather than the 6-2 defeat Wolves suffered at Molineux back in August.

In August, O’Neil was manager of the Old Gold, a sizeable change that Maresca commented on during his pre-match press conference.

“It’s not the same manager, it’s not the same idea, you can see. So I don’t think the last game there can be important for us or them,” Maresca said, reminiscing on Chelsea’s 6-2 win.

The Italian went on to identify the differences he’s noticed from Wolves since Pereira took charge.

“It’s a new game, it’s a new manager, it’s a different way to attack, a different way to defend. Hopefully, we can be ready the same way we were for the last game and get the three points.”

Pereira made Wolves history with his unbeaten start with the Old Gold, proving Maresca’s evaluation right as the squad is a different outfit with a refreshed mindset.

Chelsea at risk of being without several key players vs Wolves

Maresca revealed Chelsea’s weaknesses in his pre-match press conference, and that’s not the only subject Wolves should’ve taken note of.

The Chelsea boss also gave an injury update on several of the Blues’ key players, including Cole Palmer. 

Chelsea could be without Palmer, Enzo Fernandez, Levi Colwill and Romeo Lavia against Wolves, with each player set to be monitored until the manager makes his team selection.

It could be a boost for Pereira ahead of his first trip to Stamford Bridge however, the Wolves boss will be firmly focused on how his side can get the better over Chelsea with or without injuries.