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Chelsea v Wolves Odds, Tips and Preview

Game time & date: 1500 BST, Saturday October 8
Location: Stamford Bridge, London
Last result between the two: Chelsea 2-2 Wolves, Premier League, May 2022
Broadcast: N/A

Chelsea will try to build on back-to-back wins when they welcome Wolves on Saturday, with the Midlands outfit heading into the post-Bruno Lage era after the manager was sacked last weekend.

Wolves had slid into the relegation zone after successive defeats without scoring a goal in the Premier League and a trip to Stamford Bridge is likely to test their mettle, even if they did draw there 2-2 in May. With Wolves on a run of one win in 15 Premier League games it makes sense for the Chelsea v Wolves betting odds to point to a home win, but where is the best value to be found for Saturday’s game?

Progress for Potter’s Blues

A 2-1 victory for Chelsea in Graham Potter’s first Premier League game in charge means that the Blues head into the weekend just outside the top four, Conor Gallagher having hit a late winner last time out.

Chelsea have been solid in front of their own fans this term, taking seven points out of nine, though their defensive weaknesses are clear by the fact they have not kept a clean sheet in six home league games.

Indeed, there have been over 2.5 goals scored in Chelsea’s last six games in the Premier League, suggesting that Saturday’s visit of Wolves could be an entertaining match to watch for the neutrals. There is some hope for the struggling Midlands outfit, however, in the fact that they have earned three straight draws in a row against Chelsea – so the head-to-head record gives them nothing to fear here.

The 1/3 on a home win for Chelsea at 888Sport is perhaps a little short to be worth backing, but this should be fairly comfortable for the Blues and that creates other opportunities for a bet.

Chelsea -1 at 21/20 with 888Sport is worth a look on the handicap market, as is the 9/4 for Chelsea to win both halves of Saturday’s game.

Goal drought costly for Lage

Wolves have had problems in front of goal for some time, but just three goals scored this season left the Molineux board with little option but to show Lage the door after a 2-0 defeat to West Ham.

That loss left Wolves in the relegation zone of the Premier League and despite a heavy investment in the playing squad over the summer, it could be a battle against the drop for the old gold side.

With the situation unclear over Lage’s replacement at Wolves unclear at this stage, it is hard to know what to expect from this team after the departure of the Portuguese coach.

Diego Costa will be a player to watch regardless of the identity of the man in the dugout as the striker makes his return to Stamford Bridge, where he became a hero but departed as a villain. Costa is yet to find full fitness at Wolves but it will be tempting to hand him a start against his old club in the hope that he is able to roll back the years on his former stomping ground.

Lage’s successor has a lot on his plate, though, with Wolves needing to improve radically. The fact they are unbeaten in three games against Chelsea might tempt some to back them double chance at 2/1.

Predictions

While the 2/1 at 888Sport on Wolves double chance could be good value if Lage’s sacking prompts a response from the team, this feels like a game Chelsea should be able to win quite easily.

As a result, Chelsea -1 at 21/20 on the handicap market with 888Sport is a good place to start, while the 9/4 for Chelsea to win both halves of Saturday’s game is another option to consider as well. On the correct scores market for this one, the 5/1 with 888Sport for Chelsea 2-0 looks excellent value.

Author: Jamie Smith