Wolves’ last two visits to Stamford Bridge have both ended in defeat. However, the manner of those losses couldn’t have been much different.
In our inaugural season back amongst the elite we were 3-0 down after 20 minutes and fortunate to skulk away with a 4-0 loss. The gulf in class was humbling.
Fast forward to last year and Wolves more than matched their illustrious opponents for the duration, registering 12 shots on Petr Cech’s goal and forcing 8 corners.
So what this time?
Hard to say really.
Somewhat surprisingly, both teams head into the match struggling for any sort of form.
Chelsea have lost 3 or their last 4 Premier League matches, with 2 of those defeats coming on their own patch (albeit against Arsenal and Liverpool).
12 games in, they already trail Man City by 12 points, leading some to speculate whether they’ll even make the top four, let alone challenge for the title. They currently lie 5th.
But whilst most of their best players – the likes of Lampard, Droba, Terry and Cole – have seen their best days come and go, it would be foolish to write off such an experienced team.
However, if they are to succeed over the course of the season the likes of Torres, Mata, Ramires, Sturridge, etc surely need to step up and make significant contributions.
It goes without saying they’re massive favourites to win this match and anything but a home victory will surely heap even more pressure on Andre Villas-Boas.
The Team
Mick’s job isn’t made any easier this weekend by the injury to Richard Stearman and the suspensions picked up by Stephen Hunt and Jamie O’Hara at Everton.
I can’t shake the suspicion he’ll play 442, with a team of:
So Zubar in at right-back for Stearman, Jarvis in for Hunt and Fletcher in for O’Hara.
If we do go for this sort of shape, I’d expect one of the strikers to play deeper in an attempt to link the play.
With Edwards playing on the right, it should keep the midfield narrower and Jarvis offers the outlet down the left.
The other option is of course the 451, moving Edwards into the middle and playing one of Guedioura or Hammill out wide.
I’d be happy enough with either, just as long as we try and have a go at them.
Prediction League
13 wise armchair pundits correctly predicted we’d lose at Everton. 6 of those got the 2-1 scoreline correct too.
So well done to Amer Wolf, Hamlet, Ventura Highway, Exeter Wolf, Philly Pete and Yoda – you all get the maximum 3 points on offer.
The rest get a single point.
Hard not to predict a defeat this weekend.
Chelsea should be right up for this one and I’m not sure we’ll have enough at either end to stop them getting the win.
3-1 Chelsea.
If Wolves are to get anything, a performance similar to last season’s is the order of the day. Keeping possession and using the ball intelligently will be key, as well as a disciplined defensive showing.
Should you be one of the people making the trip down south for this one, have a great time and get right behind the lads.
Up The Wolves.
Can’t see us getting anything from this. Think the likes of Sturridge and Mata will have too much for us. Going to go 3-0 Chelsea.
Difficult to predict because I really can’t tell what formation MM will play, and there are probably three or four places up for grabs after that wretched performance at Goodison. I hope MM goes gung-ho and plays Hammill, Fletcher, and Zubar; but I suspect he’ll be more conservative.
Added to the mix is that Chelsea are looking just a wee bit fragile …
So, this is a wild stab in the dark:
Chelsea 2-0 Wolves
Hamills lack of defensive qualities make him more suitable in a 4 5 1 where some one can cover for him
It’s a great time to play Chelsea, AVB will be under pressure to win in the champions league tonight so will play a strong team, meaning he may rest a few on Saturday.
As I’m going I have to be optimistic, lets sneak a 2-1 win!
Difficult game, hopefully we can make it awkward but Is till see a Chelsea win 3-1. Wolves to concede late on to make it look more comfortable than it was.
Sadly, I feel a slapping coming on. We don’t have the strength in depth and I see this game being the one that kick starts Chelskis season : 6-0. I am never usually right in my predictions, so hopefully I will be completely wrong again!!
i think a good performance but ultimately a loss. 2-1 to chelsea. throw in a few dubious decisions in there as well so we feel cheated!
i have a strange feeling, 1-0 wolves. I dont think wwere too bad when we play deep. 442 suits that too, pointing to someones argument recently that we should actually play 442 away and 451 at home where were looking to press higher up the pitch. Anyhoos, a better performance will do.
UTW
No way will we win on current form and judging by what I saw last time round.
It would be very unlike Mick to go to Stamford bridge and have a real go at them, but if we play defensively we’re gonna be reamed.
So, a loss it is, 2 – 0 loss to Chelsea.
I’d be happy with ur team selection thomas be good to see what zubar can bring to the team, and a new starting lineup let’s see what happens. I’m not making a prediction on the score though 🙂
I was at the game last season, and like you say we did pass the ball well and create chances. Think I remember reading that it was the most saves Peter Cech had ever had to make in a Premiership game.
However, we never really looked like getting anything out of the game in my opinion. Most of our shots were from outside the area and Chelsea barely got above walking pace. A similar performance would be nice, but would almost certainly end in another defeat.
Can’t see anything but a comfortable home win. 3-0 Chelsea.
We are absolute garbage at the moment and should get nothing from this game therefore I expect us to win 1 – 0
I’m hoping this game will be a turning point, like last season. We finally seemed to find a system that played to our strengths and we played some very good football. Get back to the Henry-Milijas-Edwards combination in the middle and see how it works, seeing as O’Hara is suspended. Hammill and Jarvis outwide to give us some pace and trickery.
I’m definitely getting my hopes to high, Thomas’ team and a dogged defensive performance. 3-0 Chelski.
I kind of like our chances this week. No one are expecting us to win so there’s no pressure, and chelsea are anything but good defensively. Especially the right side (sturridge, bosingwa) is way to offensive so as long as Jarvis getting the spot I can see him making a contribution.
Torres hasn’t looked much lately, Sturridge and Malouda were both boring last week. I think we can get a point here. And I would be pleased!
1-1 Fletcher/Mata
I also went last year and I agree absolutely with Oli with his appraisal of the game. We never looked like we would score frankly, but in any game at 1-0 there is always a slight chance of a lucky break equaliser. Unfortunatley someone played a pass inside our pedestrian left back from way out, and he was left for dead for pace, and it turned out into a very comfortable 2-0 win,
Chelseas` problem this year is their coaches preference for a high defensive line which will suit us as it will compact the game even more. We have to hit them on the break so Jarvis, Hammill must play so we keep it on the deck, pass and move. Can`t imagine a win, certain to be hard work defensively with the potential to be a real thrashing, but lets be positive and so I`m hoping for the 1-1 draw we should have got at Goodison.
Praying for a point and if we do as Berra says keep the ball-thats all 11-then Chelsea are nothing to fear….on the other hand…Crossing everything for a 1-1-but head says differently.
1-1-Doyle to score
4-1 Chelski. Can’t see us getting anything from the Bridge in our current form, although I am extremely happy we get to see Fletcher and Zubar (hopefully) make their returns.
If we did elect to play 4-5-1, I would have Edwards play behind the striker of choice and get Hammill back into the team. I don’t think he ever deserved to lose his spot in the first place.
Oh and I’ll keep sticking with my prediction of Milijas to score a belter until it actually happens.
Given Chelsea’s form, I – hope – that we can give them a good fight on Saturday! We’ve no reason not to take the fight to them!
I don’t expect a win though – 2-1 Chelsea with Fletcher to score for us!
Yes, I conveniently ignore our form! 😉
On paper the team is horribly outmatched.
Which is why I’ll say 2-1 victory to the Wolves.
Can’t give any reasons other than because I want it to happen but, Chelsea 1-2 Wolves. I wouldn’t put any money on it though :0)
Chelsea 3.0 Wolves – from a fickle wolves fan.
No Moxey not fickle, just realistic.
McCarthy to silence all the doubting thomas’s, and play an all out attacking line up.
Hennessey and Elokobi up front, for their height and speed
Ward in goal, coz superman can play any where
Johnson, Berra and Craddock in midfield for their pace.
Henry, Jarvis, Doyler, Hunt and OHara across the back for their height.
Yes, I know Hunt and OHara are suspended, but I bet McDickwad doesn’t!!!
Heart says an upset, but head firmly on my shoulders, Torres and Drogba to run riot, and Chelsea to vent their last 2 home game frustrations out on us.
Chelsea 16, Wolves -2.
FOMM
You forgot the surprise third attacker… Dorus De Vries!
I like the look of your team Thomas..Bet he has a different idea though.
Can’t see us getting anything,but you never know.
2-0 Chelsea, Torres, Sturridge.
…Should we be glad or sad that Chelsea lost to Bayer Leverkusen, do you think?
3-2 to Chelsea is my prediction, though after watching Chelsea concede that last minute winner tonight I wouldn’t be shocked if we came away with a point on Saturday
4-0 Chelsea. I’m really tired of this season already and it’s not even Christmas!
Strong, brave performance from a heroic Wolves team… for the first 10 minutes, then a simple error to get Chelsea off the mark and remove their panic/desperation and restore their confidence/arrogance. Doesn’t improve for an impotent Wolves from there.
Chelsea 5 – Wolves 0
Based on current form I don’t think we will get anything from this game.
3-0 Chelsea
I hope they don’t start with that line-up Tom. Tactics are all important. Pack the midfield with two holding midfielders and attempt to frustrate the home fans, then hit them on the break with wingers as Chelskis full backs push-up. Finally, Fletcher in for Doyle as he’s better in the air.
Forgot my prediction…0-1 Wolves win with our only shot of the game!
Chelsea 3 Wolves 0
We are an utter shambles at the moment although it is in times like these we tend to grind out something. But I am not optimistic.
UTW
It’s Thanksgiving Day here in the good old U S of A.
A time for being thankful for friends, family and good health.
I would like to wish my extended family, all you fellow Wolves fans, no matter your color, creed, or religion, whether or not you agree or disagree with my opinions, a very Happy Thanksgiving Day today, and hope that you count your blessings, and all of you have something to be thankful for, no matter how big all small.
All the very best to you all.
Even MM
Thanks Clive!
Wise words indeed, we DO all have something to be thankful for!
Up the Wolves!
Nice one clive,looking forward to your usual blog tomorrow clive.
All the best,enjoy.
This is just the kind of game we would have done well in last season, and arguably our best performances since the halcyon days of august came against citeh, so I’m expecting us to play well here. Whether that will be enough to secure us any points is doubtful, bit we did beat this lot last year, and they’ve got worse since then.
As someone said above, Jarvis v their right side of defence could be profitable. I’m interested to see what happens if we do our favourite tactic of everyone pushing up the field while henners launches it 70 yards, as avb loves his high line of defence. They’ve also looked vulnerable to crosses into the box, do hopefully some headed joy for fletch or Edwards.
After writing all that I suddenly feel much better bout the match. Balls to it, I’m predicting 2-0 to the wanderers.
Cone on me babbies!
5-0 Chelsea.
I think if we win then Chelsea will sack their manager.
Love to see us win 2-0, but we are such a shambles, I can see Chelsea tearing us apart.
Can’t predict anything but a savage beating.
3-0 chelsea
Chelsea are in big trouble at the moment, lost again last night and the manager is under real pressure. We’ll never have a better chance to show what we can really do. Prediction? 5-0 Chelsea.
Having just read MM’s latest missive in E & S-I am changing my prediction to a resounding Chelsea victory 3-0.
Best wishes to Clive-hope you have a “happy holiday”.
Chelsea 2-1 Wolves. We made it look respectable v. Liverpool, and we’ll do the same here, albeit with nothing in the points column to show for it.
Love our leader’s comments in the E & S.
Very pleased with an anonymous Milijas at Everton.
We played well ( apart from losing again)
We are basicxally not going to attack from now on.
What, pray, are we going to do then, coz we sure can’t defend.
His brain is a million miles from his head.
He has totally 100% lost the plot, if he ever knew where it was in the first place.
“Mindless idiot” springs to mind.
On this Thanksgiving Day, I am extremely thankful I havent wasted money to watch this turkey and all his vegetables running headlessly in every direction except the right one.
FOMM
Does anyone else look at those pictures of the lads training in the Express & Star and read more into who is wearing the bibs?
I see Hammill was wearing a bib, whereas Doherty wasn’t. So purely for that unscientific reason, I think Doherty will play on Saturday, while Hammill will be benched yet again. Milijas didn’t have one on so he’ll play!
Anyway, Wolves to draw 2-2. God knows how. I thought Chelsea looked good last night, despite the defeat.
Lampard really impressed me and I don’t often say that. Really appreciated his work off the ball.
Big George had a bib on thank god! And Doyle didn’t 😉
We can’t drop Hunt, he has our shot away from home.. 3-0 Chelsea
Suspended mate. That’s why the colour of those bibs interests me so much on the E & S pics. Hunt was wearing a bib, and he’s not playing Saturday. Hmm!
Don’t know why any of them need a bib, none of them can dribble !!!!!
We all know we won’t beat chelsky,but why don’t we at least give it a go for the travelling
fans and give them something to cheer about.
But McIdiot say’s he’s sticking to same as he did at Everton and not changing the way he plays.
whats the point he does’nt give a shite for the fans so why should he change.
To all the Happy Clappers-we all know where this is heading-its going to be painful. I am livid that he is still spouting off and shows no sense of his position. Its the club that matters not individuals.
The bunker attitude is there for all to see. Think its great he’s on about bringing in Collins and any other Irishman that’s available. Andrews is a decent ball player-but not at this level-he couldn’t do it last time round he was here-Planning for The Championship already? Disgrace.
Of course he will, but if he DOES change things around and we get tonked then he’ll no doubt justify it by saying we should have played our usual lame arse, ‘pass back to the keeper’ game.
I’d like to see an attcking 4-5-1 with Jarvis and Edwards on either wing, Henry holding in the middle and Milijas and O’Hara as attacking midfielders.
When I say attacking I mean it as well, O’Hara especially needs to be bloody told that if he doesn’t put himself about a bit and actually get into positions where he can pass a ball rather than just blindly running down blind alleys and conceding all match then he’ll be subbed.
For me, our midfield is a weakness and he’s really gone off the boil this season.
No more long ball either, Terry, Alex or Luiz will gobble those up all game resulting in…yep, no possession once again. O’Hara, Milijas, Jarvis and Edwards can all supposedly dribble, so let’s see what they can do. If they can’t hack it, once again, yank them off and put on someone else.
I’m just tired of seeing the same crap game after game.
chelsea 3 wolves 1.Fletcher,If he picks him.FOMM.
To add a final addendum to our ‘leader’s’ nonsensical verbosity in the E & S
A quote from Kightly on Coventry:
“Everyone works hard and is pulling in the same direction, which you don’t always get, I know from talking to players elsewhere.”
Could it be, despite the insertion of the final clause, that he is talking about Wolves?
5-0 Chelsea
He isn’t talking about Wolves – no matter what some fans think of him, the players still support Mick!
Besides, if Kightly was talking about Wolves then that’d be a dig at the other players and not just the manager!
wolves to play 4 4 2, with chelsea playing a high defensive line, we could sneak a goal or 2.
Like the look of your selction Thomas, as long as Milijas gets plenty of the ball and is subbed after 60 minutes when hes knackered. Wolves win 2 – 1. The glass is half full.
Just reading this has made me realise how doubly important the transfer window is. Swansea want 6 more signings!! Eek!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/15883463.stm
How many do we need?!
I think we’ll see two players recruited in January – a forward and a central midfielder.
I don’t think we’ll see any defenders join, unless Mick plans to send Elokobi or Craddock out on loan, which he probably won’t.
As usual, most will be shouting from the rooftops for a pacy defender but it won’t happen.
Nope, he doesn’t believe pace is important in defence, as proved by the many signings he has made in that position since coming here. If this rumour of Danny Collins is true, then the point is reinforced!
Collins isn’t a bad player though, and can players at right, left and centre back. Sounds mysteriously like another Collins….
No no no Louie! He’s 5th choice at Stoke and would be the most uninspiring signing since…well…mujangi?!
Don’t know about you but I’d have snapped up Faye on a free from them though. Pacy enough and would have complimented RoJo signing nicely.
Not sure how he’s doing at west ham but I was disappointed we didn’t look at him.
He’s not a bad player. Not gone well for him at Stoke but was player of year in Prem for Sunderland I believe two years running!
My shout would be Nedum Onuoha, currently rotting away in City’s reserves! Pace, power, good on the ball. Heard rumours about him going to Albi*n though.
Agree with Onuoha 100%. Good call. I bet we don’t even go in for him. (echoing Thomas’ point)
1 – 1 Fletcher…
Don’t really want to say anything else about the game…or my perceived lack of one!
Chelsea far too strong and we can’t score!
Chelsea 3-0 Wolves
Evening chaps, I’ve recently moved to Tulse Hill in South London and was hoping someone could recommend a local boozer showing the Chelsea game. Cheers.
Ah Tulse Hill, I’m not too far. The best pub I know for the 3 o’clocks is the Famous Three Kings in West Kensington. It’s on the district line, probs about a 50-60 min journey from Tulse Hill (not too bad for London!). I know there are a few pubs in Herne Hill and Brixton which show sport but none that show the 3 o’clocks.
Famous Three Kings is very good though – 4 Large Screens and loads of “little” ones. Will be full of Chelsea too!
Hey Putney, cheers for that – i’ll head over to the Three Kings and check it out. I would’ve liked to have gone to Stamford Bridge, but £50 for a game where we’re likely to put in another turgid, uninspired display is a bit much.
No worries Rob. I’m off to the game, just hoping to watch some good football (most likely from Chelsea!). Have a great day mate.
4-0. God,how I wish I’m wrong…
Chelsea 3
Wolves 1
Get an unlikely result here, I hope Wolves can. Lose 3-0, I think Wolves will. Yes, hmmm.
3-1 Chelsea. MM to tell us it was a “great performance”. Tosser.
4-0. We all know what’s coming when the opposition is in a bad form. They’ll use this match to get back on their feet, and we won’t know what hit us.
Like Wigan?
Then again, like Everton?
4-0 Chelsea. Not confident at all. Will we manage a shot from open play this week?
always seem 2 better against teams that are quality. people knocking chelsea and say manager needs 2 go. i would swap postions np. they are in all cups as well as champions league 4 the time being. Anyhow bak 2 day and maybe the changes we av no choice but 2 do and a liitle bit of luck am gonna go 4 a 2-1 win. gd 2 c zubes bak 2. COME ON WOLVES!!!!
Just looked on the sanitized site coz I’m bored, and Johnson is quoted as saying he is glad his drop in form is over and he’s back to normal.
When did that happen???
FOMM
Why has he moved Ward AGAIN!
Ward the left back – no
Ward the striker – no
Ward – the midfielder and throw some salt on the wound and put Elokobi on as left back who is showing the pace of a tortoise
2 – 0 as i am typing, what a ……..
I have no idea where Ward is playing, I can’t work it out. GEorge is a lump. Edwards is asleep. Miliajas not started brightly at all. Zubar looked good until he had to go one on one with another player. Henry has nobody to pass to. Fletcher not seen the ball. Jarvis hasnt actually run with the ball yet. No good.
Great start!
Kept them out for 7 minutes!!
Fantastic play!!
First goal report:
Milijas – asleep.
Meireles – incisive.
Hennessey – brilliant.
Terry – just needed to jump.
Johnson – rooted to the spot.
Defending the corner – oh, let’s not put anyone on the line, then.
Now we have given the opposition the obligatory 2 – 0 start, let’s hope we can start playing.
Ha, fat chance.
2nd goal report:
Zubar – skinned.
Mata – clinical.
Elokobi – train wreck.
3rd goal report:
Johnson – invisible.
Drogba – taking the piss.
Mata – clinical.
Half-time. Enough of this crap. I’m off to my bed.
Getting destoryed in the middle of the park. Go 4-4-2. What?
Guessing that’s probably the last we’ll see of Milijas.
Fatty Blake has made all the difference, now 0 – 3 down and not even half time.
What are you going to say in the dressing room now, Dickhead? Let’s keep it to single figures??
I nearly said 8-0 and I will not be surprised if it isn’t.
An embarrassment of a first half.
We are being made to look like Rochdale.
We look like we’re still in the Championship and not the Premiership.
League 2 sides would put up more of a fight. That’s what irks me the most. No fire.
Couldn’t see the game but it sounds like we fought better in the second half – now why the hell can’t we do that all the time??
Fought better?
How about Chelsea switching off completely?
Another stuffing, can’t wait for the spin on this one!!
Interesting match next weekend, which fans want their manager gone more, us or Sunderland?
Ha.
Fuck this I’m off to the movies.
FOMM
Sunderland lost to Wigan at home, so it ought to be an easy win for us…but it won’t be easy, will it? Not where Wolves are concerned!
We were better 2nd half but a woeful performance.
For a 20 minute (max) period, we competed but it won’t save us from relegation.
Not to sound repetitive but let’s get a new manager, please.
Can anyone tell me why Darren Ferguson, right now, would be a worse manager than MM, at Wolves?
He played for us and has done well with Peterborough.
I think he’d get more out of this team than McCarthy and Connor.
Ferguson works well at Posh. He was clueless when he left for that half a season and then went back. He isn’t proven at this level so it’d be daft to bring him in.
McIdiot OUT.Moxey OUT.Morgan can’t like what he’s watching surely.
I know we played chelsea but bloody hell whats he thinking with the team he’s put out.
This is his team he must take the ALL blame he’s wasted 49 million on a team who would
find it difficult to compete in the championshit..we are a team going down,it pains me to say.
Sunderland next than Man u.sunderland lost again today so we get something out of that one
not predicting a win though but who knows, if we don’t the fans will definitly get restless
again because Man u will another beating for us me thinks.
http://www.wolves.co.uk/page/News/0,,10307~2529025,00.html