Chelsea may face challenges as they head to Molineux Stadium to compete against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, but there’s some encouraging news for Liam Rosenior’s squad. Cole Palmer and Estevao are fit to play a full match following their substitutions in Tuesday’s EFL Cup defeat against Arsenal.
Estevao returned from Brazil on charitable leave and came off the bench in the cup match, while Palmer’s fitness had been a concern prior to the game. Rosenior delayed his team selection to the afternoon before the game to ensure Palmer’s health, opting to take precautions given the busy season ahead. Since Rosenior took over from Enzo Maresca last month, the team has started well, with one goal and two assists in four games. However, addressing Palmer’s recent dip in form may prove to be a critical challenge for the new manager.
Last season, Palmer netted 15 goals in the Premier League, with most of those by New Year’s Day 2025. Since January 20 of last year, his goal tally has dropped to just five in 29 matches, indicating a significant decline in productivity. Previously, in the 21 matches before his slump, Palmer averaged 3.5 shots and 0.6 expected goals per game. Unfortunately, his metrics have suffered since then, with just 0.3 expected goals and 2.7 shots per game over the past 29 games. Chelsea’s overall scoring efficiency has plummeted too, going from an average of 2.1 expected goals per game to just 1.3 in that same period.
How to Watch Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Chelsea and Odds
- Date: Saturday, February 7th | Time: 10 am ET
- Location: Molineux Stadium, Wolverhampton, England
- Live Stream: Peacock
- Odds: Wolverhampton Wanderers +400; Draw +300; Chelsea -150
Palmer has the opportunity to regain his form against a Wolves team that has conceded 45 goals and earned only eight points in 24 games, finding themselves at the bottom of the table due to defensive struggles. However, Chelsea’s own attacking questions remain, particularly as Rosenior might not have a fully fit squad. On Friday, Reece James and Pedro Neto underwent fitness tests, but their participation is uncertain. Jamie Gittens is likely to be out for an extended period due to a torn hamstring.
Rosenior remarked on Thursday, “We don’t know yet about James and Neto. We will evaluate again tomorrow. Jamie is looking at a longer recovery, which is unfortunate for him.” Despite Joao Pedro and Enzo Fernandes shining this season, they are struggling to compensate for Palmer’s poor performance. Joao Pedro has netted nine goals, while Fernandes trails with eight, but both have struggled to kick-start the Blues’ stagnant attack. Palmer’s inefficiency, compounded by Gittens’ underwhelming status and Liam Delap’s slow adjustment with only three goals in 27 matches, raises concerns about the depth and quality of Chelsea’s squad.
Chelsea has a reputation for having a large squad, but problems with consistency plague the team. Palmer seems like a player who thrives with focus, while the rest of the attack is struggling to keep pace. The club has a lot to prove as they have won two titles last season under Maresca but currently look uncharacteristically erratic.
UEFA Coefficient Race Title is All About English Style
Chelsea’s offensive struggles could derail their chances of securing silverware this season; however, they remain in contention for a UEFA Champions League spot. Chelsea sits in fourth, just a point behind Manchester United, while maintaining some buffer despite a turbulent season overall. January brought good news for English football, as all nine clubs progressed in European competitions, with Portugal surprisingly close behind in standings.
A victory against Wolves this Saturday would help Chelsea stay in the race for a top-five finish. Nonetheless, they need to find consistency in their final stretch of the season. The competition in the Premier League is intense, with only five points differentiating United in fourth from Sunderland in eighth. Meanwhile, Liverpool is breathing down Chelsea’s neck, just one point behind them in sixth place. As things unfold, it’s possible that the likes of United, Chelsea, or Liverpool could miss out on Champions League eligibility, so refining their attack will be key for Rosenior.
Fan Take
This news matters to soccer fans as it highlights the ongoing struggles of a historic club in finding form amid a fiercely competitive Premier League landscape. Chelsea’s ability to navigate these challenges and refine their attacking strategies could significantly impact not only their quest for silverware but also the broader dynamics within English football this season.
