Wolves are in action for the first time since Vitor Pereira’s departure, taking on a Chelsea side who they almost beat just ten days ago.
There has been plenty for Wolves fans to occupy themselves with in the past week, researching managers linked with a Molineux move, assessing all the options.
But the Premier League now takes centre-stage, with Wolves gearing up for a difficult away trip to Stamford Bridge.
Wolves and Chelsea played out a seven-goal thriller in the Carabao Cup at Molineux less than two weeks ago, where Enzo Maresca’s side narrowly came out on top. They cruised to a 3-0 lead before the break, which would prove a bridge too far as Wolves came back to within one.
This time around, it’s a different venue, different Wolves manager and with luck, a different result. Here’s three Molineux News predictions for Saturday night’s action.
Wolves take advantage of Chelsea’s biggest weakness
If Wolves are to get anything from this away trip, they need to look at what worked against the Blues last time. Wolves need to target Chelsea on set-pieces. The long throws caused plenty of issues and almost got Wolves back into the tie.
Chelsea have conceded the most xG from set-pieces this season — a clear weakness for them to exploit. And that ties nicely into the next prediction about one player who certainly can pose a danger.
A first Premier League goal Tolu Arokodare
Jorgen Strand Larsen and Tolu Arokodare would have to be on the pitch for Wolves to be able to exploit the weakness. Our predicted Wolves XI to face Chelsea sees both start together, with that aerial ability and box threat too good to leave on the bench for a game like this.
Strand Larsen is off the mark in the league with a penalty, but Tolu’s two sumptuous goals came in the cup — one against Chelsea.
The stage is set for the big Nigerian to pounce on a Chelsea back line that has struggled somewhat for consistency this season, and to open his Premier League account.
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An official post-game announcement
Wolves fans have been on tenterhooks, waiting for an update on a new manager. Friday saw Rob Edwards take a considerable lead in the race, with many thinking it’s a matter of time for the ex-Wolves man to be announced.
We predict that is exactly what will happen in the aftermath of the Chelsea game.
After Wolves steal a 2-2 draw against the Blues, Edwards will be announced as the new head coach, arriving for an international break that will give him time to settle in before a return to action against Crystal Palace in two weeks’ time.