Prediction: Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Chelsea

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 13/20

Bookmaker: ZetBet

Molineux will host one of the standout ties of the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday night as Wolverhampton Wanderers welcome Chelsea. Both sides have contrasting fortunes this season—Wolves are battling for confidence amid a torrid league campaign, while Chelsea seek redemption after a surprise setback at the weekend.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Wolves’ Premier League struggles have been stark. Vítor Pereira’s side sit bottom of the table with just two points from nine matches, and their latest outing—a 3-2 defeat to Burnley—extended their winless league run. Defensive lapses and a lack of cutting edge have plagued their season, leaving fans desperate for a spark.

The EFL Cup, however, has offered respite. Wolves have beaten West Ham and Everton to reach this stage, scoring five goals across those two ties. Historically, they have pedigree in this competition, lifting the trophy twice (1974 and 1980). Pereira will hope that cup momentum can translate into belief, especially at home, where Wolves have troubled Chelsea before—winning three of the last five meetings in all competitions.

Tactically, expect Wolves to press aggressively early and look for quick transitions through Jørgen Strand Larsen, their most potent threat in attack. Creativity from Joao Gomes and Hwang Hee-chan will be vital if they are to exploit Chelsea’s rotated back line.

Team News

Wolves remain without Leon Chiwome due to a knee injury, but otherwise have a strong squad available. Pereira is expected to field a competitive lineup, with Hwang and Joao Gomes likely to start.

Larsen, now fully fit, should lead the line again as Wolves aim to capitalize on home advantage.

Chelsea

From beating Liverpool to losing to Sunderland – Chelsea’s season under Enzo Maresca has been a mix of promise and inconsistency.

The Blues were on a four-game winning streak before suffering a 2-1 defeat to Black Cats in the Premier League—a result that halted their climb up the table. They currently sit ninth with 14 points from nine matches, and this cup tie comes ahead of a crucial league clash with Tottenham.

Chelsea have lifted the trophy in this competition five times, most recently in 2015, and their squad depth makes them strong contenders again.

Maresca will likely rotate but maintain quality, blending youth with experience. Expect Chelsea to dominate possession and use pace on the flanks to stretch Wolves’ defense, while Alejandro Garnacho—fresh off his first goal for the club—could be a key figure in attack.

Team News

Chelsea are without Mykhaylo Mudryk (suspended), Levi Colwill (knee), Dario Essugo (thigh), Liam Delap (thigh), Cole Palmer (groin), and Benoît Badiashile (muscle).

Malo Gusto returns from suspension and should start, while Wesley Fofana, Andrey Santos, Romeo Lavia, Jorrel Hato, Jamie Gittens, and Tyrique George are all expected to feature. Garnacho is likely to keep his place in the forward line after scoring against Sunderland.

Head-to-Head: Recent Trends

Chelsea have won the last two meetings between these sides, including a 6-2 victory at Molineux in August 2024 and a 3-1 success at Stamford Bridge in January 2025.

Wolves, however, have claimed three wins in the last five encounters overall, proving they can trouble the Blues on their day.

Conclusion

Wolves’ cup form and home advantage make them dangerous, but Chelsea’s depth, quality in midfield and attacking options should see them through. Expect a competitive contest with chances at both ends.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 13/20

Bookmaker: ZetBet