Wolves have endured a difficult start to their Premier League campaign, collecting just two points from their opening nine matches. That poor run has left Vitor Pereira’s men rooted to the bottom of the table, and they head into this clash on the back of a narrow 3-2 defeat to Burnley.
Despite their league struggles, Wolves have found some relief in the EFL Cup. They reached this stage by beating West Ham United and Everton, showing glimpses of resilience and attacking spirit along the way. The competition has offered a rare bright spot for the Molineux faithful this season.
Historically, Wolves have enjoyed moments of success in the League Cup, lifting the trophy in 1974 and 1980. They have also fared relatively well against Chelsea in recent meetings, winning three of their last five encounters across all competitions. However, Chelsea came out on top in the last two clashes, including a dominant 6-2 win at Molineux in August 2024.
Chelsea also claimed a 3-1 victory when the sides met at Stamford Bridge in January 2025, while their most recent League Cup encounter ended in a resounding 6-0 win for the Blues back in September 2012.
Enzo Maresca’s men will be eager to respond after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Sunderland in the Premier League on Saturday — a result that ended their four-match winning streak in all competitions. The Blues currently sit ninth in the league with 14 points from nine games, showing flashes of promise under their new manager but still lacking consistency.
Chelsea have only featured once in this season’s EFL Cup so far, edging past Lincoln City 2-1 in the third round. With a crucial Premier League showdown against Tottenham Hotspur on the horizon, Maresca may need to balance his squad carefully to keep players fresh.
The London side have lifted the League Cup five times in their history, most recently in the 2014–15 season when they defeated Tottenham 2-0 in the final. A win at Molineux would keep that pursuit for another cup triumph alive — and provide a timely confidence boost heading into their next league battle.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Wolves have had a tough start to their Premier League season, earning just two points from their first nine games. That poor run has left Vitor Pereira’s side sitting at the bottom of the table, and they come into this EFL Cup clash following a narrow 3-2 loss to Burnley.
Despite their league struggles, the EFL Cup has offered Wolves some relief. They reached the fourth round by defeating West Ham United and Everton, showing glimpses of resilience and attacking intent along the way. For the Molineux supporters, this competition has been one of the few positives in an otherwise difficult campaign.
Wolves also have a proud history in the League Cup, having lifted the trophy twice, in 1974 and 1980. In more recent years, they have managed to trouble Chelsea on several occasions, winning three of their last five meetings in all competitions. However, the London side have won the most recent two encounters, including a commanding 6-2 victory at Molineux in August 2024.
Chelsea also triumphed 3-1 when the two teams met at Stamford Bridge in January 2025, while their last League Cup meeting back in 2012 ended with a 6-0 win for the Blues.
Enzo Maresca’s team will be eager to bounce back after their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Sunderland on Saturday, which ended a four-game winning streak in all competitions. The Blues currently sit ninth in the league with 14 points from nine matches, showing moments of quality under Maresca but still searching for greater consistency.
This will be Chelsea’s second appearance in the EFL Cup this season after they edged Lincoln City 2-1 in the previous round. With a crucial Premier League clash against Tottenham Hotspur approaching, Maresca is expected to rotate his lineup to manage fatigue and keep key players fresh.
Chelsea have lifted the League Cup five times in their history, most recently in the 2014–15 season when they defeated Tottenham 2-0 in the final. A victory at Molineux would keep their hopes of another cup run alive and provide a much-needed confidence boost ahead of their next league test.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Wolverhampton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Johnstone; Hoever, S Bueno, Krejci, H Bueno; Munetsi, Gomes, Andre; Arias, Larsen, Hwang
Chelsea possible starting lineup:
Jorgensen; Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato; Lavia, Santos; Gittens, Estevao, Garnacho; George
EXPERT PREDICTIONS
Wolves 1-2 Chelsea
