Chelsea got off to a very rough start this season, but there is good news, as the club is getting healthier. Reinforcements are on the way as stellar young winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is expected to feature for the U23 squad in its PL2 match on Friday against Brighton & Hove Albion U23s at Stamford Bridge. CHO is making his way back from the devastating Achilles injury he suffered last spring.
On the comeback trail defender Reece James (ankle) is also expected to play. Of course, that’s the more long term view. In looking at Saturday’s clash at Wolverhampton Wanderers, defender Emerson Palmieri is a minor doubt after sustaining a knock while on international duty with Italy.
He was subbed off after only eight minutes of action, but it was issue was deemed “nothing serious.” Mateo Kovacic played most of the game last time out, but he is a doubt for this one because of his Achilles problem.
N’Golo Kante is classified as a minor doubt due to an ankle problem, but he will likely feature and possibly even start.
Flipping over to the hosts, squad fitness has certainly been one of Wolves’ biggest strengths the past couple season. Injury concerns for the West Midlands side include Romain Saiss, a doubt after having missed each of Morocco’s matches this past international break. Matt Doherty remains a long term absentee.
Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Chelsea FC FYIs
Chelsea FC Starting XI Prediction: go to this link
Kickoff: Saturday Sept 14, 3pm, Molineux Stadium
Google Result Probability: Chelsea FC win 39%, Draw 28%, Wolverhampton Wanderers win 33%
Odds via Betway: Chelsea FC win +250, Draw +325, Wolverhampton Wanderers win +290
Paul M. Banks runs The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with News Now. Banks, the author of “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry,” regularly appears on WGN CLTV and co-hosts the “Let’s Get Weird, Sports” podcast on SB Nation.
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