Injury-hit, ill, and suddenly third place on the Premier League table, Chelsea hopes to put a stop to the stuttering when it visits in-form Wolves on Sunday at the Molineux (watch live, 9am ET on USA Network and online via NBCSports.com).
The results aren’t as concerning as the concessions for Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, as the Blues have allowed eight goals in a five-match run with two wins -- over Watford and Leeds -- as well as draws with Everton and Manchester United and a loss to West Ham United.
The goal total is double the amount Chelsea conceded over the Premier League season’s first 12 matches as the Blues racked up nine clean sheets.
WOLVES vs CHELSEA STREAM LIVE
Wolves, meanwhile, are just looking for goals because the performances have been solid. A 1-0 win over Brighton followed twin 1-0 losses to Liverpool and Man City -- far from criminal -- and clean sheets against Burnley (draw), Norwich City (draw), and West Ham (1-0 win).
So the question Sunday is obvious: Can Bruno Lage get goals out of his men? If so, there could be an upset on the cards.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of Wolves vs Chelsea.
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Wolves team news, injuries, lineup options
Raul Jimenez returns from suspension but Jonny Otto and Pedro Neto have been joined on the injured list by Rayan Ait Nouri and Hee-chang Hwang. Yerson Mosquera and Fabio Silva tested positive for COVID-19 and will be monitored moving forward.
How we line-up to face @ChelseaFC! #WOLCHE
— Wolves (@Wolves) December 19, 2021
🐺📋 pic.twitter.com/mem8SUrM75
Chelsea team news, injuries, lineup options
The Blues are without Kai Havertz, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek is out after suffering an injury against Everton. Jorginho was left out as a precaution. Romelu Lukaku, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Timo Werner, and Ben Chilwell (also has a knee injury) are all positive for COVID-19 and are out. Andreas Christensen is out through injury. N’Golo Kante and Reece James start in midfield. Chelsea have just six substitutes on the bench, with two goalkeepers on the bench.
This is your Chelsea team today! 🤝 @ParimatchGlobal #WolChe pic.twitter.com/LJSX6MweWC
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 19, 2021
Odds and ends (full odds provided by our partner, PointsBet)
Chelsea is a heavy favorite away from home to the tune of -182 for a win and +280 for a draw, while Wolves would pay out +525 were they to build on the win over Brighton.
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Prediction
Will Chelsea keep a team off the board? Can Wolves deliver a goal? There’s no “Why not both?” situation here, but we do think both are good for something. Christian Pulisic and Adama Traore can be difference makers in this predicted split: Wolves 1-1 Chelsea.
How to watch Wolves vs Chelsea live, stream and start time
Kick off: 9am ET SundayTV Channel: USA Network
Online: Stream via NBCSports.com
