Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Chelsea: Preview, Live Stream, Start Time and More

The New Year won't be an easy one for Chelsea, with the English Premier League throwing the Blues to the Wolves on January 2.

OK, so maybe a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers isn't the most difficult assignment for Andre Villas-Boas' club, though it should serve as an intriguing challenge to a Chelsea squad that's piled up 1-1 draws ever since ousting Manchester City from the ranks of the unbeaten.

Wolves have taken to ties of late as well, coming up with a single point each time out against Norwich City and Arsenal while skirting dangerously close to the relegation zone.

The Blues dominated Wolves at Stamford Bridge in late November on the way to a 3-0 victory.

Where: Molineaux Stadium, Wolverhampton, England

When: Monday, January 2 at 10:00 a.m. EST

Watch: TBA

Live Stream: TBA

Player to Watch for Wolves: Steven Fletcher

Steven Fletcher has done little to dissuade clubs with deep pockets from keeping their eyes on him and their purse strings at the ready. The 24-year-old striker continued his streak of spectacular play with a 38th-minute equalizer in a draw against Arsenal, his sixth goal in his last seven appearances.

Fletcher has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the EPL and may end up torturing Chelsea as a member of another British giant before too long.

Player to Watch for Chelsea: Juan Mata

Juan Mata has emerged as a steadying force for Chelsea amidst a tumultuous season at Stamford Bridge. The new boy from Valencia has been something of a savior for AVB's side, chipping in four goals and seven assists while serving as the cornerstone of the Blues' rebuilding efforts.

Mata put through Chelsea's only goal against Fulham, once again carrying an attack that's struggled with the likes of Fernando Torres, Frank Lampard, Florent Malouda and Didier Drogba seeing their pitch time garnished in favor of starlets and imports.

Key Matchup: Fletcher vs. Chelsea's Backline

While AVB continues to tinker with his attack, his defence has proven to be less than impermeable. The Blues haven't notched a clean sheet in league play since the wee early days of December, with a high line that's done little to spur on more scoring and even less to make Petr Cech's job in goal any easier.

If the Blues aren't careful against Wolves, they're liable to get burned by Steven Fletcher and sent to yet another disappointing result against an inferior opponent as a result.

What They're Saying

Wolves will enter Monday's match at Molineaux Stadium significantly shorthanded. Midfielder Nenad Milijas was sent off against the Gunners for a challenge on Mikel Arteta and won't play against the Blues as a result. The club appealed the three-game ban, but was turned down by the Football Association in a decision characterized by Wolves secretary Richard Skirrow as a "huge disappointment": 

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"From the video evidence of that challenge alone, we strongly believed we had very good grounds for appeal and this was an opinion that seemed to be shared by a lot of people who have viewed the incident.

"Our view that the dismissal and three-match ban would be hugely disproportionate to the alleged offence was further reinforced by other incidents in the game.

"However, despite highlighting the inconsistency and harshness of Nenad's dismissal, we have been told that it was not deemed to be an obvious and serious error and, therefore, the original decision and resulting punishment stands."

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Of course, Chelsea have their own personnel concerns with which to deal right now. According to ESPN Soccernet, winger Florent Malouda is threatening to quit the Blues if he doesn't see an increase in playing time. Malouda has seen his place at Stamford Bridge usurped by younger, faster players who fit AVB's preferred style of attack much better.

Said Malouda of his current predicament:

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"I'm not getting enough playing time. It's too limited for the ambitions I have. I can't be happy with that. If it is necessary, I will leave."

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The Frenchman has been mentioned in connection with Paris St-Germain, who are also targeting former Blues boss Carlos Ancelotti to mold a winner out of some of the best talent oil money can buy.

Prediction: Chelsea 1, Wolves 0

Chelsea may be in disarray, but they still have far too much world-class talent on hand not to come up with three points against the dregs of the Premiership. Look for the Blues to neutralize Steven Fletcher and do just enough on the attack to keep pace for a spot in the top four in the league.

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