Two clubs looking to bounce back from defeats in the Premier League at the weekend meet at Molineux in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night as Wolves host Chelsea.
Chelsea looked set to record a fifth consecutive victory in all competitions at the weekend, as Alejandro Garnacho’s first goal for the club gave The Blues a four-minute lead at home to Sunderland.
However, Wilson Isidor equalised for The Black Cats from, you guessed it, another long throw, before substitute Chemsdine Talbi scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner for Sunderland.
Enzo Maresca’s men were far from convincing in the previous round of this competition, as they had to come from a goal down to defeat third-tier Lincoln City 1-2 away from home.
Wolves also suffered late agony at home to a promoted side at the weekend, as they were beaten 2-3 at Molineux on an afternoon where both of my selections landed.
Whilst that result extended their winless start to the Premier League campaign to nine matches (W0-D2-L7), Vitor Pereira’s men have two wins to their name in this competition, defeating fellow Premier League sides West Ham (3-2) and Everton (2-0).
How the bookies view it: Chelsea favourites
Chelsea are favourites to bounce back from their weekend defeat, as BOYLE Sports have priced the reigning world champions at 6/10 to win inside 90 minutes.
Wolves are 16/5 with the same firm to make it three consecutive wins at home in this competition this season, whilst the draw is 3/1.
Head to head: Three on the bounce for The Blues?
Chelsea did the double over Wolves in the Premier League last season, beating the Old Gold 3-1 at Stamford Bridge in January, and 2-6 last August on their last trip to the Molineux.
Players to watch: Tyrique to find the target?
Chelsea are expected to rotate their squad on Wednesday night, and that could possibly see Tyrique George lead the line.
The 19-year-old found the back of the net and provided an assist against Lincoln in the previous round – as well as scoring the fifth against Ajax in the Champions last week – and the 21/20 at Bet365 for him to Score or Assist here is worth a look should he start.
Predicted line-ups:
Wolves appear to have a near fully fit squad, with Leon Chiwone the only confirmed absentee.
Chelsea still have a lengthy injury list, with Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, Cole Palmer, Liam Delap and Dario Essugo all sidelined, but Malo Gusto returns from suspension.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Johnstone, Hoever, Bueno, Krejci, Bueno, Andre, Munetsi, Bellegarde, Arias, Gomes, Strand Larsen
Chelsea: Jorgensen, Gusto, Fofana, Chalobah, Hato, Santos, Lavia, Gittens, Buonanotte, Estevao, George
Anything else catch the eye?
Wolves’ opening seven league and cup fixtures at Molineux this season have averaged an eye-catching 3.86 goals per game, with Over 2.5 Goals paying out in five (71%) of them, whilst five of the last six have produced goals at both ends.
Chelsea’s last 10 matches in all competitions have averaged 3.40 goals per game, with Both Teams to Score paying out in eight (80%) of them, whilst nine (90%) have gone Over 2.5 Goals.
That suggests goals are highly likely in the West Midlands on Wednesday night, and the 20/21 on offer at BOYLE Sports for Both Teams to Score & Over 2.5 Goals certainly appeals to me.
GambleAware