João Félix available for Chelsea ahead of away clash at Wolverhampton Wanderers
Chelsea travel to Molineux on Sunday 25 August for their Premier League fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 (GMT+1). New signing João Félix is available for manager Enzo Maresca, who goes into his second match in charge following a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on the opening day.
Wolves hunt first points after historically poor start
Wolverhampton Wanderers began the season with a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal on Matchday 1. Despite creating several clear-cut chances, Gary O'Neil's side were undone by a Kai Havertz header in the 25th minute and a superb Saka left-footed strike from the edge of the penalty area in the 74th minute. The defeat at the Emirates Stadium meant Wolves suffered four consecutive opening-day losses for the first time in the club's history. The Wanderers now welcome Chelsea for their first home game of the season, though six defeats in their last nine home matches continue to cast a shadow over Molineux. There is, however, reason for optimism: Wolves have won their last three Premier League meetings with Chelsea, including a league double over the Londoners last season. O'Neil will be hoping that impressive head-to-head record serves as inspiration on Sunday, with the manager expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 system and Jørgen Strand Larsen leading the line. Nélson Semedo returns to the squad after serving his suspension for the Arsenal match.
Maresca carries concerns into the match: Sterling drama and rotation puzzle
Enzo Maresca endured an eventful first week as Chelsea manager. Following his debut defeat against Manchester City (2-0), the 44-year-old head coach was immediately confronted with an internal dispute: the camp of Raheem Sterling demanded an explanation for the 29-year-old winger's omission from the matchday squad. Maresca stepped in and stripped Sterling of the number 7 shirt, with the England international subsequently training separately from the first-team group. The bloated Chelsea squad was already considered a major headache for the new coach, though few anticipated the problems would mount so rapidly in the very first week. There is good news for Maresca nonetheless: Chelsea have permanently signed João Félix following a previous loan spell, and the Portuguese forward is immediately available for the trip to Wolves. 'He is available and will certainly get chances to play,' said Maresca. The Chelsea manager is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation with Nicolas Jackson as the central striker.
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Source: Sportmonks
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