Chelsea’s next opponents in the Carabao Cup may be winless at the bottom of the Premier League, but Wolves are not without danger.
We’re down to the last 16 teams in this season’s Carabao Cup, with Chelsea set to travel on Wednesday night to face a Wolves side in very poor form.
Enzo Maresca will want to rotate, especially after the weekend loss to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge, but he should be careful about letting complacency seep into the dressing room.
Wolves may have just two points from nine games, but that doesn’t mean this clash under the lights comes without risk. Here’s why.
Wolves’ Carabao Cup form has been far better
The length of time Wolves have gone without a win in the league has thrust the club into a dark place this season, but when they have appeared in cup competition, they have been far better.
They beat West Ham 3-2, and followed that up with a convincing 2-0 win over Everton.
Vitor Pereira has been willing to make plenty of changes in those games, and both times they have worked very well.
With how bad they have been recently, those on the fringes will see the opportunity to break into the starting lineup more regularly, and thus will bring their A-game against the Blues.
Maresca will rotate after the Sunderland loss, but he needs to make sure he leaves enough solidity in his XI to ensure an upset doesn’t unfold.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca shouts on the touchline during the Premier League match against Sunderland at Stamford Bridge.
Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images
Wolves have caused stronger sides problems
The last two fixtures Wolves have played out have seen them lose to newly promoted sides in Burnley and Sunderland.
However, before that double-blow, they looked to be turning things around with strong performances against Spurs and Brighton. In both cases, they were held to a 1-1 draw, but only thanks to late equalisers from the opposition.
If they can hold Chelsea to a draw at home, it becomes a toss of a coin in the form of a penalty shootout.
That’s not something Maresca will want to risk. Especially considering the hunger that Wolves players and the coach will come into this one with, after a fiery altercation with fans at the weekend.
Vitor Pereira was dragged away in anger from the Wolves fans at full time as he went over to speak to them.
Wolves are yet to win a Premier League game this season. pic.twitter.com/7zF02U60Ob
— george (@StokeyyG2) October 26, 2025
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Vitor Pereira is fighting for his job
With all the aforementioned shortcomings at Wolves this season, it’s no surprise that the manager is coming under fire.
As of yet, no reports are saying Pereira is about to be axed, but that likelihood increases with every loss.
The noise from the fans this week will surely ramp up the pressure, and sometimes a team with their backs to the wall can be a dangerous proposition.
Chelsea are clear favourites to go through to the quarter-finals, and they should have no problem handling Wolves. But they can’t assume league position will translate to cup competition.
Maresca will want to take the League Cup seriously as he attempts to add to his collection of silverware and keep fans satisfied. That means approaching even the more straightforward-looking ties with full focus and intent.