Game Week 2 Predictions: Chelsea to beat Wolves at the Molineux

Wolves vs. Chelsea preview: Both teams seek redemption after opening day defeats. Chelsea looks to secure first league win under Maresca at Molineux.

Wolves will look to bounce back from last weekend's defeat in the hands of Arsenal but, can they stop Chelsea? (Photo credit: Opta)

 Wolves vs. Chelsea

Molineux Stadium

2:00pm

Wolves and Chelsea both suffered identical defeats in their respective opening day fixtures, with the Blues losing 2-0 at home to the reigning champions and Wolves losing by the same margin at the Emirates against last year’s runners-up.

The Wolves gave a good fight, especially in the second half, where they could have gotten back into the game following a strong spell of possession and good chances, but they couldn’t take any, allowing the Gunners back into the game.

Chelsea suffered just as much as Wolves in the first half, but they did create good chances. The unavailability of a proven striker proved to be their undoing, thereby allowing their old boy Matteo Kovacic to make a darting run before unleashing one past Robert Sanchez to make it 2-0.

There were some positives for both sides in their respective losses last weekend; they both showed signs of promise but lacked specific skills to navigate the game at pivotal points, something both managers must look into.

The hosts will file out at home for the first time this season, and they will do so without their former talisman Pedro Neto, who is now with their visitors and could be making his full debut in the league for the Blues at the Molineux on Sunday.

Chelsea managed to beat Servette in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, their first win under Enzo Maresca, and they must now follow that up with a win on the domestic front against Wolves. They don’t want to fall behind the early pace setters so quickly.

The Wolves must be brave when Chelsea comes into town; some of their men must have regained fitness after resting for a week. They will look fresher than Chelsea because the Blues have played twice since the Wolves lost at Arsenal, which should count for something.

Maresca has assured fans that things aren’t as messy as they appear from the outside. He is working with a group of 21, including Joao Felix, who joined on Thursday from Atletico Madrid. The Portuguese is expected to feature on Sunday.

Mattheus Cunha, who came on as a substitute in the loss at Arsenal, is fully back for Wolves, and Pablo Sarabia could also start. With Nelson Semedo still suspended, Matt Doherty is likely to continue at right back. Both sides have reasons to go for this, but the Blues remain favorites to win.

Verdict: Chelsea to win.