Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton has delivered a stark prediction for Wolverhampton Wanderers' upcoming fixture, forecasting a 2-0 defeat for the beleaguered side as they travel to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this weekend.
Wolves in Crisis Ahead of Stamford Bridge Trip
The Midlands club finds itself in a dire situation, languishing inside the Premier League's relegation zone with just two points from their opening matches. Their dismal start cost manager Vitor Pereira his job after a 3-0 loss to Fulham at Craven Cottage, a match that also saw defender Emmanuel Agbadou sent off.
With eight points separating them from safety and Burnley in 17th place, Wolves' hierarchy is urgently seeking a new manager to steer the club away from the Championship. The club's recruitment has been heavily criticised after key players Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri departed for Manchester United and Manchester City respectively in the summer without adequate replacements.
Sutton's Verdict on Chelsea's Vulnerability
Analysing the match for BBC Sport, Sutton acknowledged Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca's concerns about squad rotation due to the Club World Cup, noting it "must be a factor" in the team's inconsistent performances.
However, he believes this won't impact the outcome against Wolves, whom he described as having been "such a rabble recently". Sutton referenced Pereira's final assessment that the team was lacking technically, tactically, and physically, adding "I don't expect anything to change at Stamford Bridge".
Can Wolves Secure Premier League Survival?
The atmosphere around Molineux is described as sombre, with the new manager facing a monumental task to secure top-flight status. The January transfer window represents a critical opportunity to bolster a squad that has struggled significantly.
One positive is the retention of striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, who was subject to interest from Newcastle United. However, the Dane has yet to find his scoring form, presenting an immediate challenge for whoever takes the helm. The club's decision to part ways with Pereira appears justified given the poor results and his inability to maximise the potential of his available players.
As Wolves prepare for their difficult trip to London low on confidence, Sutton's prediction suggests their struggles are far from over.
