Chelsea vs Wolverhampton Wanderers 10/03/19

10 March 2019

An improving Chelsea side host unpredictable Wolverhampton Wanderers to Stamford Bridge seeking all three points that would keep them in the Champions League promotion race.

After suffering two defeats in three Premier League fixtures, the hosts have picked up two straight league triumphs to prevent fourth-placed Manchester United from extending a two-point gap between the sides. Also, the Blues have racked up a three-game PL home winning run in the build-up to this encounter, scoring nine goals while conceding just one in the process. Although they’ve been struggling in attack recently, Maurizio Sarri’s men have been outstanding in defense this season, keeping seven clean sheets in 14 PL home outings so far. Chelsea’s tally of nine goals conceded at home is the second-best in the English top tier, while just two teams scored more goals at home than the Pensioners (28).

On the other hand, a comfortable 2-0 victory over Cardiff City last time out has brought the visitors’ three-game PL winless streak to an end (D2, L1) as they remain in the race for the seventh place that would see them qualify for the Europea League next season. Wolves go into this encounter determined to snap a frustrating five-game losing run to Chelsea at this venue although it won’t be a simple task. Nuno Espirito Santo’s players have achieved just one victory in their last four PL road clashes (W1, D1, L2), failing to keep a clean sheet in each. What’s more, the Wanderers’ defensive frailties have seen them concede in nine successive PL away fixtures although they’ve allowed over 1.5 goals per match only twice in that period. Toothless in attack and lackadaisical in defense – five of Wolverhampton’s previous PL meetings have produced under 2.5 goals.