
The EFL Cup fourth round presents a striking contrast of fortunes as struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers host Chelsea at Molineux Stadium on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. This all-Premier League showdown comes at a critical juncture for both clubs, with Wolves rooted to the bottom of the league table and Chelsea seeking to bounce back from a disappointing weekend defeat against Sunderland.
For Wolves manager Vítor Pereira, this match represents more than just a chance to advance in the cup—it’s an opportunity to restore confidence and quiet the growing discontent among supporters. Following their recent 3-2 home defeat to Burnley, where fans voiced their frustration and Pereira engaged in heated exchanges, the atmosphere at Molineux has turned increasingly toxic. The Carabao Cup has provided the only bright spots in Wolves’ otherwise dismal season, with victories over West Ham and Everton offering temporary respite from their league struggles.
Chelsea, meanwhile, arrive after a shocking 2-1 home defeat to newly-promoted Sunderland, a result that halted their four-match winning streak across all competitions. Despite sitting ninth in the Premier League, the Blues remain just three points off the top four, demonstrating the compact nature of this season’s table. For manager Enzo Maresca, this cup tie offers an immediate chance to get back on track and potentially build another positive run.
Wolverhampton Wanderers: Searching for Stability
Wolves’ season has been nothing short of disastrous in the Premier League, with the team yet to secure a victory after nine matches (D2, L7). Their position at the foot of the table, six points from safety, has increased pressure on both players and management. However, their cup form has been notably better, suggesting Pereira may be prioritizing this competition as a potential salvation.
Recent Performance Trends
Key Wolves Players to Watch
Despite their poor overall form, Wolves have shown they can raise their game for cup matches, and their previous home victories against West Ham and Everton in this competition will provide some confidence.
Chelsea: Seeking Consistency Amid Squad Challenges
Chelsea’s season has been characterized by inconsistency, with impressive victories followed by baffling defeats. Their 5-1 Champions League thrashing of Ajax was quickly undermined by their subsequent loss to Sunderland in the Premier League. This pattern has frustrated fans and highlighted the team’s ongoing growing pains under Maresca.
Recent Performance Trends
Key Chelsea Players to Watch
Chelsea’s main advantage in this fixture is their superior squad depth, which allows Maresca to rotate while maintaining quality. This could prove decisive in a cup tie where Wolves may lack alternatives.
Head-to-Head Statistics: Historical Context
The historical record between these sides reveals a closely contested rivalry in recent years, despite Chelsea’s overall superiority in the Premier League era. Their encounters have typically been high-scoring affairs, with plenty of goalmouth action for neutrals.
*Table: Wolves vs Chelsea Head-to-Head Record (Last 10 Meetings)*
| Date | Competition | Home Team | Score | Away Team |
| 20/01/2025 | Premier League | Chelsea | 3-1 | Wolves |
| 25/08/2024 | Premier League | Wolves | 2-6 | Chelsea |
| 04/02/2024 | Premier League | Chelsea | 2-4 | Wolves |
| 24/12/2023 | Premier League | Wolves | 2-1 | Chelsea |
| 08/04/2023 | Premier League | Wolves | 1-0 | Chelsea |
| 08/10/2022 | Premier League | Chelsea | 3-0 | Wolves |
The statistics from these encounters reveal several important trends:
Interestingly, while Chelsea have dominated the most recent encounters, Wolves had won three straight Premier League meetings prior to their two losses last season. This suggests that despite their current struggles, Wolves have historically proven capable of competing with Chelsea, particularly at Molineux.
Injury and Suspension Concerns
Team selection for this cup tie will be significantly influenced by availability issues, with both managers facing important decisions regarding squad rotation and tactical setups.
Table: Confirmed Absences for Wolves vs Chelsea
| Team | Player | Status | Reason |
| Wolves | K. Hoever | Doubtful | Knee Injury |
| Wolves | F. López González | Doubtful | Unknown injury |
| Wolves | E. Gonzalez Medina | Doubtful | Unknown injury |
| Wolves | Gomes | Out | Suspended |
| Wolves | Leon Chiwome | Out | Knee injury |
| Chelsea | L. Delap | Out | Hamstring Injury |
| Chelsea | M. Mudryk | Out | Suspension |
| Chelsea | A. Disasi | Out | No Eligibility |
| Chelsea | D. Luis Essugo | Out | Surgery |
| Chelsea | L. Colwill | Out | Cruciate Ligament Tear |
| Chelsea | Cole Palmer | Out | Groin injury |
| Chelsea | Benoit Badiashile | Out | Muscle injury |
The absence of Cole Palmer remains particularly significant for Chelsea, as the England international has been their creative catalyst when available. However, the potential return of Liam Delap from a hamstring injury could provide a welcome boost to their attacking options.
For Wolves, the possible absence of several key players compounds their selection headaches, with suspension and injuries limiting Pereira’s options as he seeks to field a competitive side against Premier League opposition.
Betting Markets and Odds Analysis
The betting markets for this EFL Cup tie firmly position Chelsea as favorites, reflecting their superior league position and squad quality. However, Wolves’ respectable cup form and home advantage have tempered the odds somewhat, creating potential value opportunities for astute bettors.
Match Result (Full Time)
Both Teams to Score
Over/Under Goals
Double Chance
For those interested in more specific markets, several intriguing options present themselves:
Anytime Goalscorer
Correct Score Options
The odds clearly reflect Chelsea’s status as firm favorites, with their moneyline price of 1.66 implying approximately 60% probability of victory within 90 minutes. However, Wolves’ resilience in cup competitions this season suggests the draw at 4.25 may represent value for those expecting a tight affair.
Scoreline Prediction
Based on current form, historical data, and tactical analysis, our prediction for this EFL Cup tie is:
Wolves 1-2 Chelsea
This scoreline reflects Chelsea’s superior quality while acknowledging Wolves’ likely response to their recent poor form and the supportive home environment. The prediction also aligns with the statistical probability of both teams scoring while Chelsea ultimately possessing too much firepower.
Chelsea to Win (Full Time) @ 1.66
Despite their weekend setback, Chelsea’s overall quality and squad depth should prove decisive against a Wolves team struggling for confidence and results. The price offers reasonable value for a single bet or as part of accumulators.
Both Teams to Score: Yes @ 1.58
Wolves have shown they can score in cup matches at home, while Chelsea have kept just one clean sheet in their last four away games. With both teams likely to approach the game with attacking intent, goals at both ends seem probable.
Over 2.5 Goals @ 1.58
Historical meetings between these sides have typically been high-scoring, with 59% of their last 22 encounters producing over 2.5 goals. Both teams’ defensive vulnerabilities further support this selection.
João Pedro Anytime Goalscorer @ 2.02
With Cole Palmer absent, João Pedro has emerged as Chelsea’s primary creative and goalscoring threat. His movement and finishing ability should trouble a Wolves defense that has conceded frequently this season.
Bet Builder Suggestions
For those interested in constructing same-game multiples, consider this potentially rewarding combination:
This bet builder pays approximately 7.12/1 and leverages Chelsea’s defensive capabilities alongside their expected dominance in possession, which could limit corner opportunities for both sides.
Wednesday’s EFL Cup clash at Molineux presents a classic “form vs. class” dilemma. While Wolves’ desperate situation and home advantage cannot be dismissed, Chelsea’s superior quality and squad depth should ultimately prove decisive.
The most probable outcome appears to be a Chelsea victory, likely with both teams finding the net in an entertaining affair. For Wolves, this match represents an opportunity to salvage pride and potentially build momentum for their crucial league fixtures ahead. For Chelsea, it’s a chance to advance in a winnable competition while building consistency under Maresca’s leadership.
Bettors should consider Chelsea to win as their primary selection, with over 2.5 goals and both teams to score offering appealing alternatives or additions for those seeking higher returns. The 1-2 correct score prediction at 8.00 represents an attractive longshot option given the statistical evidence and tactical likely scenarios.
As with all betting, responsible gambling practices should be observed, with stakes kept within affordable limits. The unpredictable nature of cup football, particularly in England, means surprises are always possible—which, after all, is precisely what makes these competitions so compelling.
Disclaimer: Odds are subject to change and may differ between bookmakers. Please gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose.
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