Premier League Preview: Chelsea v Wolves
2009-11-21 - Added by
ExtraFootie
Chelsea will be looking to continue setting the pace at the top of the table by bagging three points at home to Wolves on Saturday.
The league table doesn’t lie and having defeated Manchester United 1-0 at Stamford Bridge prior to the international break, the Blues once again look the team to beat.
Carlo Ancelotti's side have a five-point advantage on both Arsenal and Manchester United, and with the former having a game in hand on the league leaders, coach Ancelotti will be drumming into his troops the importance of winning the so called ‘easy matches’.
Mick McCarthy’s Wolves, who, having been routinely thrashed 4-1 at home by Arsenal in their last Premier League outing, will head to Stamford Bridge merely hopeful of snatching a point.
The last time Wolves travelled to South-West London to face the Blues, they were battered 5-2 after Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink netted a hat-trick, and McCarthy will be desperate to avoid a similar scoreline today.
Having only kept one clean sheet in the league this season, few will bet against the visitors not suffering a defeat today however.
Team News:
Chelsea are rocked by a plethora of injuries. Most notably midfielder Frank Lampard (thigh) and star striker Didier Drogba, who sustained a rib injury during the Blues’ 1-0 victory over Manchester United.
Carlo Ancelotti however, welcomes back defender and captain John Terry and full-back Ashley Cole. Terry has been back in training alongside Joe Cole who should be available to feature this weekend.
Wolves will be without on-loan Chelsea central defender Michael Mancienne, who cannot play against his parent club, however full-back Kevin Foley is set to return to first team action.
Probable Starting XIs; Star Man:
Chelsea (4-4-2): Cech, Ivanovic, Terry, Carvalho, A Cole, J Cole, Mikel, Essien, Malouda, Anelka, Kalou.
Wolves (4-4-2): Hennessey, Foley, Berra, Craddock, Zubar, Edwards, Henry, Castillo, Kightly, Ebanks-Blake, Doyle.
ExtraFootie's Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Wolves. We cannot see anything but a home win as Chelsea gear up for a tough week which sees them travel to play Portuguese champions FC Porto in the Champions League, followed by a Premier League clash with Arsenal.