English Premier League: Chelsea vs Wolves, Drogba Returns
Mick McCarthy’s Wolves are up for a tough challenge as they travel to Stamford Bridge to face a revitalized Chelsea side. Wolves have had a poor opening to the season, not winning a single league game. After this tough fixture they are faced with Manchester
City, Manchester United and Arsenal, all tough opponents, thus they will try to salvage whatever they can get.
Their record at Stamford Bridge is not worth mentioning, the last time they won at the Blues home was about 31 years ago. On their last two visits, they conceded an embarrassing nine goals and will try and maintain a tight defense today. Their only hope
of getting a decent result will be to hope that the Blues are not up to their usual standard.
However, the Blues might perform better than their usual standard with the return of star striker Didier Drogba. Drogba was sidelined for last week’s fixture due to a virus, but the Ivoirian seems to have recovered and has been declared fit. He will try
and end his small goal drought and add to his goal tally, it is early on in the season but the Chelsea striker is already in contention for the golden boot.
Brazilian Alex and Ramires are still out with injuries, thigh and ankle respectively. However they are expected to make a return soon, unlike Yossi Benayoun, who will most likely return at the end of the season. Frank Lampard is being rested and Daniel Sturridge
is doubtful for today’s fixture. Even with the list of injuries, Ancelotti still has a strong squad and will make most of it to extend the lead at the top.
Match Facts
Chelsea have not conceded a goal at Stamford Bridge in the last 691 minutes of the Premier League.
In his last five Premier League games at the Bridge, Didier Drogba has scored an impressive nine goals.
The Blues have emerged victors in all four meetings with the Wolves, scoring a total of 16 goals.
Wolves have won only four of their 42 away fixtures in the Premier League, and none of their last seven.
Wolves have a record of losing 10 points from leading positions this season, more than any other Premier League side.
Chelsea mid fielder Michael Essien currently has the record of receiving a pass every 1.37 minutes on average this season, which is faster than any other player in the top flight.
Possible Starting XI
Chelsea: Cech, Terry, Ivanovic, Ashley Cole, Bosingwa, Mikel, Essien, Zhirkov, Malouda, Anelka, Drogba.
Substitutes: Turnbull, Hilário, Ferreira, Van Aanholt, Bruma, Kalou, Mellis, McEachran, Kakuta, Sturridge, Borini.
Wolves: Hahnemann, Berra, Stearman, Foley, Ward, Jones, Edwards, Fletcher, Milikas, Jarvis, Doyle.
Substitutes: Hennessey, Ebanks-Blake, Van Damme, Elokobi, Mouyokolo, Davis, Bent, Hunt.
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