Wolves are set to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Monday night in the final game of Gameweek 22. For Vítor Pereira’s Wolves, the match comes at a critical juncture, with back-to-back 3-0 defeats against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United leaving them teetering on the edge of the relegation zone. The Portuguese manager faces mounting pressure to turn results around, but a punishing schedule offers little reprieve, with upcoming fixtures against Chelsea, Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Liverpool. These games could define Wolves’ season, and failure to secure points might leave them with an insurmountable task to avoid relegation.
A Challenging Period for Wolves
The recent losses to Forest and Newcastle have halted any momentum Wolves might have had earlier in the campaign. Their lack of defensive solidity and inability to create meaningful chances in the final third have been glaring issues. Pereira, known for his tactical discipline, has yet to find the right formula to balance Wolves’ attacking and defensive duties, and the stakes are only growing higher with each passing week.
Wolves’ upcoming opponents, Chelsea, have endured their own struggles this season, sitting mid-table and winless in their last three Premier League outings. However, Mauricio Pochettino’s side still boasts an abundance of talent, including the likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, who have shown glimpses of their quality. Wolves will need to be wary of Chelsea’s ability to turn games around, particularly at home, where they remain a formidable force.
Paul Merson’s Prediction
Ahead of the clash, former Arsenal midfielder and pundit Paul Merson has delivered a blunt assessment of Wolves’ chances, predicting a comfortable 3-0 win for Chelsea. Writing in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson pointed to Wolves’ recent form and Chelsea’s potential to dominate if they replicate their first-half performance from the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.
“I’ll be there to watch this game at Stamford Bridge on Monday night, and I can’t see anything but a win for Chelsea,” Merson wrote. “Wolves have gone back to being where they were before. They did enjoy a bit of a run, but that has now stopped. If Chelsea play anywhere near like how they played in the first half against Bournemouth, they will be easy winners.”
Wolves, however, will hope Chelsea have another off-day, as they did in their frustrating draw against Bournemouth. Despite a last-gasp equalizer from Reece James, Chelsea’s inability to kill off the game exposed vulnerabilities that Wolves could potentially exploit.
Wolves’ Memories of Stamford Bridge
Wolves fans will be keen to recall the last time their team visited Stamford Bridge, a thrilling 4-2 victory in February. On that day, Matheus Cunha stole the show with a stunning hat-trick, spearheading a perfect counter-attacking performance. It was a highlight of Gary O’Neil’s tenure, with Wolves also riding high in the league and progressing in the FA Cup.
Pedro Neto, who was instrumental in that victory, has since moved to Chelsea in a £54 million summer transfer. Neto has already shown flashes of brilliance for his new club, and facing his former teammates adds an intriguing subplot to the encounter. For Wolves, Cunha will once again be the key man. Rested in the defeat to Newcastle, the 25-year-old is expected to start and will be eager to replicate his heroics from last season.
The Current Challenge for Wolves
This time around, Wolves arrive at Stamford Bridge in far less inspiring form. Their defensive frailties have been exposed in recent games, and Pereira’s squad appears bereft of confidence. The midfield duo of João Gomes and Mario Lemina will need to step up to provide both defensive cover and creative spark, while Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan must take advantage of any chances that come their way.
Chelsea, on the other hand, will be looking to assert control early on. Despite their inconsistent season, the Blues possess a wealth of attacking talent. Cole Palmer’s creativity and Nicolas Jackson’s pace and movement have the potential to cause havoc for Wolves’ backline. Reece James’ return to fitness is another boost for Pochettino, offering Chelsea a dynamic presence on the right flank.
What’s at Stake?
For Wolves, this match represents an opportunity to defy the odds and gain valuable points in their battle for survival. A positive result at Stamford Bridge could provide the spark they need to tackle the tough run of fixtures ahead. Conversely, another heavy defeat could plunge them deeper into the relegation mire.
For Chelsea, Monday’s game offers a chance to build momentum and address their recent slump. A convincing win would boost confidence and keep them within reach of European qualification spots.
Final Thoughts
As Wolves prepare for what could be a season-defining run of fixtures, the clash against Chelsea serves as both a daunting challenge and a potential turning point. Pereira’s side must rediscover the resilience and attacking efficiency that defined their victory at Stamford Bridge last season. Whether they can replicate that performance or succumb to another defeat remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the stakes have never been higher for the Old Gold.