Wolves return to action this Premier League weekend with a clash against Chelsea at Molineux.
With superstar Pedro Neto moving to The Bridge this summer, it was inevitable that his return to Molineux would be only weeks later after his switch.
Gary O'Neil's side suffered a 2-0 opening day defeat to Arsenal, however there were many positives to take from that fixture against a side that are one of the favourites to win the League title. Their new back-four formation often seemed to click and they had a couple of goalscoring opportunities.
-
High Pressing
In preseason, Wolves have set up with a high pressing defensive system, contrary to previous seasons where they would play with a low block. The transition to a back four has meant more players situated in the attacking third to assist with the closing down of the opposition.
Against the Gunners, Gary O'Neil did have his side attempting to press high up the pitch. At times it worked but at other times Arsenal proved their quality in attack by turning over the press and players like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli had lots of space to run at the defence. This actually led to the second goal from Saka.
Two examples of when the press worked was the first half header from Jorgen Strand Larsen and the second half effort from Matheus Cunha which came from Wanderers winning the ball back high up.
Enzo Maresca has came into a fairly poor Chelsea side that will not posses the quality that Arsenal do in their attack to turn over a high press, and it could benefit Wolves in their efforts to win the ball back.
-
The return of Pedro Neto
Neto left Wolves for around £53m this summer. He impressed at Molineux last season, but the offer was too good to turn down considering his injury record and Wolves' financial position.
The Portuguese winger should get a warm welcome back on Saturday on his return to the Old Gold. Despite the overwhelming quantity of players on Chelsea's books, it is expected that Neto will get game time and provide competition for Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer.
Gary O'Neil's squad will know the different strengths and weaknesses of the player, decreasing the chances of Neto providing a threat to the Wolves defence, if he is given minutes on Saturday.
-
Guedes and Podence features
Portuguese duo Goncalo Guedes and Daniel Podence featured in Wolves' matchday squad against Arsenal, with the latter even getting some minutes on the pitch.
Gary O'Neil has already confirmed that the pair are part of his plans and he wants them to stay, but it seems as if they are still looking to move.
Both players could feature against the Blues and add to Wolves' attacking quality. With Guedes hardly playing since his time at Molineux, he is almost like a new signing and could offer something different to what fans are used to seeing, posing more of a threat to Chelsea's defence.
-
Wolves' record against Chelsea
Last season, Gary O'Neil led Wolves to a league double over the London club with a 2-1 win at home on Christmas eve, and a 4-2 Cunha hat-trick at the Bridge, where he became only the fourth ever player to do so.
It is no doubt Wolves will have confidence going into this game, knowing that they can overcome this Chelsea side. They will know very well how to set up against the Blues and try to repeat their success from last year.
The last time Chelsea visited Molineux, a Matt Doherty injury time winner secured the three points for the home side after the Blues were very wasteful. Since Wolves' promotion to the Premier League in 2018, Wolves have had an extremely good home record against the London club with four wins, one draw and one loss.
Gary O'Neil will be hoping he can keep up this excellent record and secure three important points for the new season.
