Enzo Maresca will not let Chelsea get complacent after hammering Wolves in the reverse Premier League meeting this term – the pair clash again at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

Noni Madueke scored a hat-trick as Chelsea thumped Wolves – then managed by Gary O'Neil – 6-2 at Molineux in late August.

O'Neil has since been dismissed and Vitor Pereira appointed as the new Wolves boss, and Maresca expects an entirely different challenge.

"They changed their manager. Now, it not the same idea. I don't think the last game can be [relevant] for us or for them," Maresca said at his pre-match press conference.

"It is a new game with a new manager and a different way to attack and defend. We can be ready the way we were for the past few games to get the three points."

Getting set for Wolves. pic.twitter.com/uL7KvkdoO6

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) January 18, 2025

Wolves are 17th and only clear of the relegation zone on goal difference, while Chelsea – who are winless across their last five league games – occupy fifth in the table.

Pereira hopes to boost his squad in this month's transfer window, though he is relishing the "fight" regardless of any potential signings.

"More solutions, more solutions to help," Pereira said. "I'm very happy with the team and players I have, but we need more solutions in midfield, maybe another defender.

"We are trying to understand the market, it depends what we find. If we find the right players to bring – OK. If not, it is better to bring no-one."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Chelsea – Cole Palmer

Maresca will be desperate to see Cole Palmer shake off a knock that has left him doubtful for Monday's clash.

Palmer has been involved in five goals in his last two Premier League games against Wolves, scoring two and assisting three – including each of Madueke's hat-trick last time out.

Wolves – Matheus Cunha

Matheus Cunha is averaging 3.3 shots per 90 minutes in the Premier League for Wolves this season, though was left on the bench for Wednesday's 3-0 loss at Newcastle United.

Among players to play 1,000+ minutes in a campaign for them, only Henri Camara in 2003-04 has averaged more shots in one season (4 per 90 mins).

MATCH PREDICTION – CHELSEA WIN

Chelsea are the heavy favourites for victory, despite not winning any of their last five Premier League games – they had won all five before this streak.

Wolves may have been 4-2 victors in this exact fixture last term, but the visitors have not managed back-to-back away league wins at Stamford Bridge since February 1964.

However, Chelsea have lost three of their last four Premier League games against Wolves, as many as they had in their previous 17 (W10 D4).

They did win the aforementioned reverse fixture 6-2 in August, though, and Wolves' form heading into this clash is woeful.

Pereira's side have lost 3-0 in consecutive games against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle – they could become the first top-flight side since 1910 (also Forest) to open a calendar year with three straight losses by three or more goals.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Chelsea win – 65.7%

Draw – 18.2%

Wolves win – 16.1%