Five Facts: The stats you need to know ahead ahead of Chelsea vs Wolves
In a huge match in the race to secure a European finish, Chelsea host Wolves with both sides still competing to land a Champions League and Europa League finish, respectively. With plenty riding on this match, we take a look at five need-to-know facts ahead of the clash at Stamford Bridge...
Wolves' counter-attacking wall to stop Chelsea?
Chelsea's defensive weaknesses have been exposed time and time again this season, with Wednesday's 5-3 loss at Liverpool highlighting how poor they have been at the back this term. In all, Chelsea have conceded more counter-attacking goals (8) than any other Premier League team this season and it's an area of improvement for Frank Lampard this summer.
He could do worse than take tips off Sunday's opposite number Nuno Espirito Santo. Wolves are one of two teams yet to concede a counter-attacking goal in the Premier League this season, a record they'll hope to keep as they seek a European finish. Chelsea may have scored six times on the break this term, but with Wolves solid in these situations, they're unlikely to add to that record at Stamford Bridge.
Santo maximising half time
When it comes to maximising half time, there is no better side than Wolves in the Premier League this season. Nuno Espirito Santo has become famed for his ability to turn a match in his side's favour and it's seen them garner a better second half rating (6.48) than any other Premier League side this season. 37 of their 51 goals have been netted after the break this term (72.5%), so Santo will look to use the break to his advantage once more in the capital.
Wolves to expose one of Chelsea's big weaknesses
In the 21 games Wolves have gone behind in a Premier League match this season, they have gone on to secure a positive result 13 times. What's more, Chelsea have gone ahead, but failed to win, eight league matches this term. The WhoScored match forecast suggests it is Extremely Likely that Wolves will make a comeback if they go behind, so Santo can use the aforementioned half time break to haul Wolves back into the game should they fall behind and, potentially, a European finish.
Raul Jimenez's travels
A hugely popular figure in the Wolves camp, Raul Jimenez has garnered ample admirers across the continent for his exceptional form in England the last two seasons. It's for good reason, too, with the Mexican as impressive as he is on the road as he is at Molineux. Of the 17 league goals he has scored this season, nine have come in away matches this term, while Jimenez has musterd two or more shots in 14 of his 17 away league starts in 2019/20. The experienced forward netted in this game last season and he'll fancy his chances of adding to his commendable away goal return once again.
Pulisic to follow up dazzling midweek cameo?
Chelsea's 5-3 loss at Liverpool highlighted both their defensive shortcomings and the impact Christian Pulisic can make when called upon. Having been subbed in on the hour mark, Pulisic quickly turned provider for Tammy Abraham before bagging his ninth league goal of the season with 15 minutes to play. With a WhoScored rating of 7.99, it was the fifth best rated sub appearance in a Premier League match this season and Pulisic will hope he has done enough to earn a start on Sunday.
Given Wolves' sole WhoScored weakness is 'defending against attacks down the wings', Pulisic will hope to capitalise on any space vacated by Matt Doherty down the Chelsea left. 42% of Wolves' attacks come down their right flank, so there is space to be exploited by Chelsea and, in particular, Pulisic.
