Just four days out from the trip to play Jose Mourinho’s Internazionale, Chelsea have another less glamorous away trip to Wolverhampton, to take on Mick McCarthy’s side.
Chelsea have a one point lead at the top of the table heading into this match, whilst Wolves are just a point outside the bottom three.
Chelsea have injury problems, with Alex, Belletti, Essien, Bosingwa, Ashley Cole and Lampard all out of action. Wolves centre half Michael Mancienne, who has played in midfield of late, is ineligible as he is on loan from the Blues.
Chelsea’s last visit to Molineux was in 2003, the first season of Roman Abramovich’s epic spending spree. Big money signings Hernan Crespo and Damien Duff scored, the popular Argentine netting his first two goals for Chelsea.
Frank Lampard and Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink scored the other goals. Of the present squads, Jody Craddock, Frank Lampard and Joe Cole were involved back then.
The reverse fixture this season was in late November, which saw Chelsea comfortable 4-0 winners. In addition to goals from Joe Cole and Florent Malouda, Michael Essien scored twice as Wolves were easily outplayed.
Ladbrokes has Wolves at 8/1 long shots, despite being at home, whilst the draw is paying 7/2. Chelsea, away from home, are strong favourites at 4/11.