Premier League: Can Returning Lampard Rescue Chelsea from Wolves?

Wolverhampton Wanderers vs Chelsea

Mighty Chelsea – champions of Europe just a couple of seasons ago – find themselves in the bottom half of the Premier League table in early April.

And after moving on from Graham Potter, the Blues have now called upon former hero Frank Lampard to lead them for the remainder of the season, starting with their trip to Molineux to face Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Like Chelsea, Wolves are also without a win in their last three games as they remain dangerously close to the relegation zone. But can they defy the Premier League 2023 betting odds and capitalise on Chelsea’s current struggles?

Talking Points

Wolves remain in danger of relegation

Wolves’ recent Premier League 2023 results do not make for good reading. They have won just one of their last seven games, with four defeats and two draws.

They needed a late equaliser from Daniel Podence to pick up a point away at Nottingham Forest last time out, which kept them one point clear of the relegation zone.

Wolves will still be without full-back Jonny, who got a red card in their 4-2 loss at home against Leeds United. Centre-back Toti got the surprise start at left-back, and he may have earned another start after a solid performance.

Meanwhile, it’s anyone’s guess how Julen Lopetegui will choose to line up his attack. The Wolves boss has simply been unable to find a starting combination that can consistently deliver goals.

 Although, Wolves have had a substitute score in each of their last four games, so Lopetegui does have options in terms of changing the game off the bench.

Wolves’ home form has let them down this season. They have picked up just 17 points in 14 games at Molineux – the third-fewest in the Premier League – and their 12 home goals is dead-last.

Frank Lampard set for Chelsea return

After dismissing Graham Potter, Chelsea’s first match under interim manager Bruno Saltor – a goalless draw at home against Liverpool – played out similarly to how they fared under Potter.

The Blues were the better team against the Reds, but once again they failed to convert their chances. The front two of Kai Havertz and Joao Felix had four shots each, but they were simply not clinical enough in front of goal.

There was good news for the Blues, though, as N’Golo Kante looked quite solid in his first start of 2023. The French midfielder should provide some much-needed stability in the middle of the park.

The Liverpool match was likely Saltor’s first and last game as Chelsea boss as the is club reportedly bringing former manager Frank Lampard back as caretaker for the remainder of the season.

If Lampard is indeed in charge this weekend, it remains to be seen what changes he will make to the starting XI, especially with their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid coming up next week.

Raheem Sterling and Myhailo Mudryk are the main candidates to come in and refresh the attack. Meanwhile, Mason Mount, who hasn’t appeared in the Blues’ last six games, is a Lampard favourite and could finally get recalled.

History

While Chelsea will come into this match with an interim manager – either Bruno Saltor or Frank Lampard – it was Wolves who had the interim boss during their first fixture of the season back in October. Graham Potter’s Chelsea ran out 3-0 winners against Steve Davis, who had taken charge of Wolves after Bruno Lage’s dismissal.

But prior to that, Wolves had had quite a decent record against Chelsea. They had gone four straight games unbeaten against the Blues, with a win and three consecutive draws.

But of course, Chelsea still have a superior record in the Premier League era, with 9 wins to 3, and 4 draws.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Chelsea installed as 1.98 favourites to end their current winless slump at Molineux. Wolves are priced at 3.50 while a draw is 3.25.

While Chelsea have had their issues of late, they are simply too good not to win against Wolves. The return of Frank Lampard should re-energise the players, who will now be fighting for places for the remaineder of the season. So look for the Blues to finally break their winless skid at Molineux.

 

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