Injuries Hindered Pedro Neto's Potential For A Bigger Move Than Chelsea, Says Wolves Boss

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Gary O'Neil believes Pedro Neto could have secured a more significant transfer if not for his injury history. Neto moved from Wolves to Chelsea in August for £45 million. The Portugal international will soon face his former team as Chelsea visits Molineux on Sunday.

O'Neil thinks Neto's injuries have hindered his career progression. "The important thing for him now is being able to play week in, week out," O'Neil said. He added that Neto was unlucky with injuries but not injury-prone. O'Neil wanted to keep him and play him regularly, understanding the impact of his injuries on his summer move.

Neto missed nearly four months last season due to injuries. Despite this, O'Neil believes Neto can play at any club globally. "His talent, work ethic and physical attributes allow him to play at whatever level he wants," he stated.

O'Neil also praised Chelsea's acquisition of Neto, calling him an outstanding talent. "He is one of the best out-and-out wide players in world football," O'Neil remarked. He highlighted Neto's explosive pace and one-on-one skills, which enable him to do things few players can achieve.

Neto had an emotional farewell from Wolves, where he enjoyed a successful stint before O'Neil's arrival and a good season last year. "He loved it here," O'Neil noted.

Players to Watch

With Neto gone, Hwang Hee-chan will have more responsibility at Wolves. Hwang was impressive last season but needs to improve his attacking impact after creating just one chance against Arsenal last week without taking a shot.

Neto will be eager to impress against his old team in what could be his full debut for Chelsea, having come off the bench against Manchester City previously. The 24-year-old recently took the number seven shirt at Chelsea, previously worn by Raheem Sterling.

Match Prediction: Chelsea Win

Despite losing their opener to Manchester City, Enzo Maresca's team is expected to win at Molineux according to Opta's supercomputer. Chelsea hasn't lost their first two league games in a season since 1973-74. The last Chelsea manager to lose his first two matches was Gianluca Vialli in February 1998.

Wolves have lost their last four Premier League matches and haven't lost five consecutively since Terry Connor's seven-game losing streak between March and April 2012. They have also lost six of their nine Premier League home games in 2024, with no side losing more.

Chelsea's Away Struggles

Chelsea has struggled away from home against Wolves, being winless in four league games (D1 L3) since a 5-2 victory under Frank Lampard in September 2019. Additionally, they have conceded at least once in each of their last 16 Premier League away games, their longest run without a clean sheet on the road since January 1993 to February 1994.

Opta Win Probability

The statistics suggest that Chelsea has a higher chance of winning with a probability of 51.4%, while Wolves stand at 24.1%, and the likelihood of a draw is 24.5%.

The upcoming match between Wolves and Chelsea promises excitement as both teams aim for victory despite recent challenges and changes within their squads.