The Premier League is braced for yet another exciting final day finish, as Chelsea take on Wolverhampton Wanderers in a do-or-die clash at home on Sunday (July-26). The Blues need to register a draw at any cost with Manchester United and Leicester City closely trailing, in order to guarantee a Champions League spot next season.

Key Stats:

Frank Lampard’s men registered their first defeat in three games following the 5-3 defeat against Liverpool. However, they have won five Premier League in a row at the Stamford Bridge. The Wolves on the other hand, have battled topsy-turvy form in the month of July following an inconsistent run which started with two defeats, before being followed by a win, a draw and a recent win against Crystal Palace at home.

Chelsea enjoy an abundance of motivation ahead of the clash, as they look to extend an unbeaten home run in all competitions against Wolves to nine games, since the last defeat 41 years ago. The Blues can also register their first league double against Wolverhampton Wanderers, since 2011/12 having inflicted the side’s first home defeat of the season during the reverse fixture at Molineux.

Frank Lampard’s men have further not been defeated at home in the Premier League after taking the lead, registering 10 wins and three draws. Chelsea only need to score two goals to reach a century for the season in all competitions. Willian will further make his 250th start for the club in all competitions, if handed an opportunity.

The Wolves have a lot at stake, with a win guaranteeing the side’s highest top-flight finish (6th) since the 1979/80 season. Hopes of a victory will be largely boosted by a quality performance from Raul Jimenez, who has scored eight-match winning goals in the Premier League this season, the highest. The attacker has further become the first Wolves player to score 17 goals in a top-flight season since John Richards, back in 1975/76.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s men have the fifth-best away record in the top-flight. The side has converted 28 points from their 18 games.

Team News:

Chelsea midfielder N’Golo Kante remains a doubt, having missed the side’s last five matches. Billy Gilmour and Fikayo Tomori are further not available, which is a pity.

.@fikayotomori_‘s first Chelsea goal came against Wolves, and it was a belter!  pic.twitter.com/OXjLlrsH2t

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 24, 2020

Nuno does not need to worry about any injuries or suspension issues ahead of the trip to West London.

What do the managers have to say?

“There is a possibility Kante will feature. He has trained for the first time towards a match pace this morning, so it’s a decision I’ll have to make, talking with him and the medical team, to see if he’s ready to start,” said Lampard as quoted by the Chelsea official website.

“We will approach the game to win it. I know how strongly I feel about this weekend and how up for it I am. Will try and convey that to the players, and the rest is down to them on the pitch. I have a real sense the players understand the position we’re in,” he added.

“It’s a big game and a big challenge for us, against a very good team. The approach is exactly the same, knowing Chelsea is a very good team, full of quality and talent in their squad,” said Nuno as quoted by the Wolverhampton Wanderers official website.

“They play good football and we want to compete. We have one more training session tomorrow, so let’s prepare it well to compete on Sunday. Then, what happens after, we will see,” he added.

Expected Lineups:

Chelsea: Kepa; James, Rudiger, Zouma, Azpilicueta; Kovacic, Jorginho, Mount; Willian, Giroud, Pulisic

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Patricio; Boly, Coady, Saiss; Doherty, Neves, Moutinho, Jonny; Podence, Jimenez, Jota.

Written By: Marcelino Da Silva

Image Credits: Chelsea FC