For the first time in 28 years, English football will host a top-flight match on Christmas Eve, featuring Chelsea and Wolves in the Midlands.
Both teams, positioned in mid-table, aim to gift their fans some holiday joy in what promises to be an intriguing clash.
Under Gary O’Neil’s guidance, Wolves have transcended relegation worries, evolving into potential top-half contenders, driven by a revamped mentality and team ethos.
Meanwhile, Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea struggles to find consistency on the field despite progressing to the EFL Cup semifinals, narrowly defeating Newcastle midweek. The team faces the imperative task of significantly improving their league standing.
Team News
Wolves anticipate the return of key winger Pedro Neto to the squad this weekend, alongside goalkeeper Jose Sa and full-back Nelson Semedo.
Unfortunately, young midfielder Joseph Hodge remains sidelined, and Jonny is currently not training with the first-team group.
Christopher Nkunku made his debut against Newcastle for Chelsea, and Pochettino aims to capitalize on his recent minutes.
However, Chelsea faces an absence of several players, including captain Reece James, recovering from hamstring surgery, and the sidelined Ben Chilwell, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Robert Sanchez, Trevoh Chalobah, and Carney Chukwuemeka.
Enzo Fernandez, who exited the match against Newcastle due to illness and reports of a hernia, is also out.
On a positive note, Levi Colwill is expected to be fit, and there’s a possibility of Romeo Lavia making his debut. Additionally, Noni Madueke and Lesley Ugochukwu may feature after recovering from injuries.
Match Facts
Wolves are seeking to win consecutive league games against Chelsea for the first time since a run of three between 1973 to 1975.
The Blues are winless in three previous visits to Molineux, drawing one and losing two.
This is only the second Premier League game to be played on Christmas Eve after Leeds United defeated Manchester United 3-1 at Elland Road in 1995.
Both clubs last played on 24 December in 1966: Wolves beat Derby County 5-3 while Chelsea lost 2-1 to Liverpool.
Wolves are unbeaten in six Premier League games at Molineux, winning three and drawing three.
They have scored in each of their last 15 Premier League home games, which is their longest top-flight scoring streak at Molineux since a run of 16 between August and March in 1969-70
Chelsea have lost three successive Premier League games on the road, their worst top-flight away run since they suffered five consecutive defeats under Claudio Ranieri in 2000.
They are vying to win back-to-back Premier League matches for only the third time in 2023.
The Blues are winless in all three of their Christmas Eve away league fixtures, drawing one and losing two.
Probable Line-ups
Wolves: Sa; Kilman, Toti, Dawson; Semedo, Lemina, Gomes, Bellegarde, Ait-Nouri; Cunha, Hwang
Chelsea: Petrovic; Gusto, Silva, Badiashile, Colwill; Caicedo, Gallagher; Sterling, Palmer, Mudryk; Jackson
