Preview: Molineux awaits a one-sided test on February 7
A chilly afternoon at Molineux Stadium looks likely to bring more misery for a Wolverhampton Wanderers side sinking at the bottom of the Premier League. The Wolves arrive with just one win from 24 matches and a worrying defensive record: 45 goals conceded and only 15 scored all season. Their recent run — losses to AFC Bournemouth and Manchester City, a 0-0 stalemate with Newcastle and a rare six-goal outburst against Shrewsbury Town — underlines a team struggling for consistency and bite in top-flight encounters. Jarred Gillett will take charge at a venue that has seen Wolves concede 25 times at home this season, and that home vulnerability leaves them exposed against an in-form Chelsea.
Chelsea’s momentum and the numbers that matter
Chelsea travel with far better credentials. Sitting fifth with 40 points from 24 matches, their recent sequence features more wins than not: victories over West Ham, Napoli in an away test, and a run of dominant league performances before a narrow Carabao Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal. Chelsea’s attacking output — 42 goals overall — and defensive resilience, reflected in nine clean sheets, tell a story of balance. Statistically they generate more shots (322 total), more shots on target (115) and create more dangerous attacks than Wolves, whose averages are markedly lower. The head-to-head earlier in the season finished 3-0 in Chelsea’s favour, a direct reminder of the gulf between the squads when form and tactics click for the visitors.
Form, context and market sentiment all tilt towards Chelsea. Bookmakers mirror that view: the away win is priced around 1.66 with an implied probability north of 60%. For bettors who focus on timing and structure, reading tactical intent and market movement is key — learning when to back goal-related markets can be decisive, so consider this resource on the right time to place bets on goal markets before committing stakes. And while confidence in a favourite is understandable, managing emotions after a loss or a run of poor picks remains essential: check tips on how to have emotional control when placing bets? to protect your bankroll.
Betting suggestion After weighing form, defensive records and market odds, the clearest value lies in the 1X2 market: back Chelsea to win at approximately 1.66. The away side’s recent winning rhythm, better goal metrics, previous 3-0 triumph and Wolves’ leaky home form make Chelsea the most logical single-market pick for this fixture.
