Wolverhampton Wanderers

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The draw for the third round of the Carabao Cup will take place on Wednesday at the conclusion of the second-round tie between Nottingham Forest and Newcastle United.

The seven English clubs involved in European competitions this season, including holders Liverpool, will enter at the third-round stage.

Ties will take place on weeks commencing 16 and 23 September.

Because there are rounds of Champions League and Europa League fixtures also scheduled for those two midweeks, the six clubs involved in those competitions - Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham and Manchester United - will be kept apart to ensure they can fulfil their Carabao Cup tie in the alternate midweek to their European fixture.

Those six clubs will take part in a pre-draw before Forest v Newcastle to decide if they will be at home or away in the third round, with a main draw determining the 16 ties later in the evening.

Should Chelsea progress to the next phase of the Conference League, they will not be in action in that competition again until the start of October.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are close to agreeing a deal for 31-year-old Crystal Palace and England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. (Athletic - subscription required), external

Want more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Dazzling Dave
Fan writer

The match against Chelsea starkly highlighted Wolves' defensive frailties. Chelsea sliced through the Wolves' back line, exposing huge gaps and leaving Wolves chasing shadows especially second half. Gary O'Neil's switch to his preferred back four played a part in the defeat and he faces a big dilemma: stick or twist?

Despite the glaring defensive issues, it's not all doom and gloom. The set-up allows our attacking players more freedom, with fluid playing styles and dynamic forward movements. Jorgen Strand Larsen and Matheus Cunha seem destined for an exciting partnership up top. It's great to have this free-flowing attack, but at what cost?

Rayan Ait-Nouri is a conundrum to be solved. He possesses remarkable talent, yet his prowess shines in attack, not defence. Placing him as a left-back misaligns with his abilities, creating defensive gaps that leave Toti vulnerable. Wolves face a challenge, having loaned out Hugo Bueno and lacking alternative left-backs. Gary must address this issue to make a back four effective for Wolves.

Given the defensive lapses is it time to consider a reshuffle? Nelson Semedo serves one more match ban against Burnley in the Carabao Cup and will surely then return to the starting XI. This would mean that Matt Doherty could potentially fill that left-back role. Alternatively, Toti could move out and cover a left-back/centre-back role, with Dawson filling the centre-back position. We saw a bit of this hybrid system against Chelsea, but it wasn’t an immediate fix.

With the transfer window running down, Wolves must bring in reinforcements that fit this system. Integrating new signings can be a slow process, and with the season under way, O’Neil might find himself racing against time.

O’Neil faces a dilemma and it’s a problem he must solve quickly. Does he keep faith with the back four or switch to Wolves' tried and tested back five?

Find more from Dazzling Dave at Always Wolves, external

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

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Feyenoord have enquired about Wolves' Boubacar Traore but the midfielder is unlikely to leave Molineux as it stands.

The Eredivisie club asked about a possible loan move but, unless Wolves bring in new midfielders, Traore will stay in the Midlands.

Traore played for Mali at the Olympics and was the final squad member to return ahead of the start of the season.

He did not make the squad for the opening day defeat at Arsenal and was an unused substitute in Sunday's 6-2 loss at home Chelsea.

The 23-year-old initially signed on loan from Metz in 2022 before making the move permanent a year later. He has made 38 appearances, scoring once.

Feyenoord have already taken left back Hugo Bueno on loan from Wolves this summer.

Wolves are focused on bringing in players ahead of Friday's transfer deadline with talks with Arsenal on-going over a move for goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

They also had a £20m offer rejected by Burnley for winger Luca Koleosho last week.

The i newspaper's chief football writer Daniel Storey spoke to the Monday Night Club about pressure on Wolves, who are yet to register a point after two Premier League matches:

"They've repeatedly had to sell key players and they've now sold Pedro Neto and Max Kilman this year. It's like a game of 'Kerplunk'- there's only so many straws you can take out of that team before everything starts to fall.

"At the start under Gary O'Neil, it felt like everything was moving in the right direction. He sounds a little bit frustrated about what's happening in the transfer market and the fans certainly are.

"They are also a bit frustrated that O'Neil has gone to a back four when they thought the back three was working. There's just little disconnects in the team that they need to iron out quickly."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Feyenoord have enquired about Wolves' 22-year-old Mali midfielder Boubacar Traore. (VI - in Dutch), external

Wolves have had a bid for highly rated 18-year-old Scottish midfielder Ethan Sunderland rejected by St Mirren. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves remain in talks with Arsenal over goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.

The England international could cost Wolves about £20m, with an initial loan offer being made last week.

There is a desire from parties to get the deal done but it is seen as a complicated and expensive one, especially given Wolves' financial restrictions.

The Gunners would prefer a straight sale rather than an initial loan for the 26-year-old, who has lost his place in Mikel Arteta's team to David Raya.

Ramsdale, who cost Arsenal l £24m when they signed him from Sheffield United in 2021, has two years left on his deal at Emirates Stadium but wants first-team football.

On Sunday, Wolves boss Gary O'Neil warned that the club needed to be satisfied with their transfer business having sold Pedro Neto to Chelsea and Max Kilman to West Ham for nearly £100m.

Wolves are not expected to spend heavily in the final week of the window but Sunday's 6-2 home defeat by Chelsea acted as a wake-up call.

O'Neil started just one summer signing - Jorgen Strand Larsen - in the loss.

He said: "Once the window shuts it doesn't open for a good few months. When it shuts we need to be comfortable with where we are.

"There's a lot of work for myself and I need to get more out of the group we have. Then there's an understanding the Premier League is tough and if you sell good players it makes you weaker.

"We'll see if it's a break-even window by the time it shuts next Friday. We have raised some good funds and hopefully we can use them well in the next few days."

Wolves were also keen on Burnley winger Luca Koleosho but hopes of agreeing a deal with the Clarets are fading after a £20m offer was rejected last week.

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Wolves boss Gary O'Neil is taking "responsibility" and not "blaming players" for the side's heavy defeat by Chelsea on Sunday.

They suffered a 6-2 loss to the Blues in a chaotic match that saw them peg the west Londoners back twice in the first half, before a 14-minute hat-trick from Noni Madueke took the game away from them early in the second 45 minutes.

The defeat means Wolves are without a win in their opening two Premier League matches and took a heavy hit to their goal difference as they sit second from bottom in the table.

"I want to be really clear, I'm not sat here blaming players, I'll never ever do that. It's always our responsibility," said the head coach.

"Whatever goes wrong out there whether it's part of my plan or a misunderstanding, it all comes down to me.

"A tough one for them [fans] because they were probably sat there enjoying their team having a real good go against a team that spent billions.

"Going toe to toe and then feeling like there was a huge gulf between the two sides for the rest of it.

"A tough afternoon for the fans which I apologise for on my part because I don't want them to suffer games like that. We played Arsenal and Chelsea, lost our captain [Max Kilman] and probably best player [Pedro Neto], if anyone thought this first two weeks was going to be easy, I knew it wasn't."

We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Wolves and Chelsea.

Here are some of your comments:

Wolves fans

Julian: Woeful and inadequate defensive display, particularly in the second half. Far too open and showed tactical naivety against an average at best opposition, who did little to score most of their goals. Most of their goals came from our non-existent left defensive side. Open attacking play is for basketball, not lower mid-table Premier League teams. Wake up.

Phil: Embarrassing. At least three of our players looked like they didn't want to play for Wolves! Did we have a tactical plan? This is certain relegation form.

Malcolm: Why do Wolves try to play in a 4-4-2 when it is obvious the current players perform much better in a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 shape. The defence looked vulnerable from the start, but they capitulated in the second half. We need to bring in a goalkeeper and another experienced centre-back before the deadline. Jorgen Strand Larsen looks like a really good striker.

David: A team that looks ripe for relegation. This is what you get for selling your best players and buying second-rate replacements. I did forecast this outcome weeks ago. Fosun have a lot to answer for, and our chairman who is running the club down and telling fans to support another team.

Chelsea fans

Paul: I was well impressed with the second half display. The first half was too open for my liking. I'm really glad for Noni Madueke with his hat-trick and happy for Joao Felix on his second debut goal. It was a lot better than his last debut with the sending off. I hope we shine a lot more this season.

Mike: Madueke and Palmer looked the real deal playing together, albeit Wolves were not exactly on top form. I see speculation already that Noni Madueke will be the next big name to be sold by the club and, with the current owners, nothing would surprise me...

James: It is brilliant to see these lads perform like that. The youngest team in the league are making a name for themselves. I'm so happy to see Noni Madueke get his moment - he always gives his all. Absolutely brilliant from everyone.

Baz: Whatever was said at half-time, it certainly flicked a switch and unlocked Chelsea's talent. More of this please!

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Boss Gary O'Neil has warned Wolves must be "comfortable" with their transfer business when the window shuts on Friday.

Wolves lost 6-2 at home to Chelsea on Sunday, with O'Neil starting just one summer signing in striker Jorgen Strand Larsen.

They lost out to Ipswich for Dara O'Shea, who moved to Portman Road from Burnley, while looking for a replacement for £40m Max Kilman after his July move to West Ham.

The club still want to sign Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, although the Gunners rather sell the England international with Wolves having offered an initial loan with an option to buy.

Burnley winger Luca Koleosho is also a target after the club sold Pedro Neto to Chelsea for £54m.

O'Neil said: "Everyone knows the financial restrictions we have and have been there since I arrived. We have raised good funds in this window and the squad will need help.

"Once the window shuts it doesn't open for a good few months, when it shuts we need to be comfortable with where we are.

"There's a lot of work for myself, I need to get more out of the group we have. Then there's an understanding the Premier League is tough and if you sell good players it makes you weaker.

"We'll see if it's a breakeven window by the time it shuts next Friday. We have raised some good funds and hopefully we can use them well in the next few days."

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Friday's transfer deadline looms large and Wolves have some thinking to do.

Burnley's Luca Koleosho is a target but, after a defensive nightmare against Chelsea, the work to bring in reinforcements, after Max Kilman's £40m move to West Ham, may intensify.

Wolves missed out on Dara O'Shea, who has joined Ipswich, and it would be naïve to not expect the club to reassess during the week.

They battled back well, levelling twice in the first half, but fell apart after the break as Chelsea cut through at will.

Rayan Ait-Nouri had an afternoon to forget and he was culpable as Noni Madueke ran riot on the right-wing in the second half. The winger was given far too much space and, while he finished his chances well, he is unlikely to be gifted such opportunities by other teams.

If there was a positive amid the defensive chaos, Jorgen Strand Larsen showed off glimpses of what he can offer in terms of his presence, awareness and instincts.

Conceding five goals and losing will take the shine off his goal-scoring home debut, but the Norway striker showed enough to suggest that he has what it takes to adapt to the Premier League quickly.

Wolves boss Gary O'Neil has been speaking to BBC Match of the Day after the 6-2 thumping: "[In the second half] We gave them three goals from nothing really. We gave them one in the first half too. Their second goal came from our own goal kick. The free kick where we don't get back under the ball... these are crazy ways to concede goals.

"Then the fourth and the fifth happened when we had people out of position. We lost our way. It was already a crazy first half. We showed moments of quality but, regardless of what you do with the ball and in your shape, if you give goals away like we did, it was going to be a tough afternoon.

"We gave Chelsea a lot of help, so there is an awful lot I need to fix."

On whether these were early season mistakes or just basic errors: "They were unacceptable from us. I am all for positivity and, when the lads do well, they know they have done well. But from all of us, as a group, to concede those three goals the way we do, it is unacceptable.

"[There was] No left-back in place for the fourth and fifth goals. We allow them to pass straight through the middle of us from a free kick. It was a crazy way to go from the score being at 2-2.

"From 15 or 20 minutes into the game up to half-time, we were the better side. We were in a really good moment. We shoot ourselves in the foot by letting them score from our goal kick and then after half-time we come out and give ourselves a tough task.

"From there, we weren't able to wrestle back any control and it is difficult emotionally - you end up out of shape and it looks open and easy for Chelsea."

On their start to the season: "It has been a tough start for us to play Arsenal and Chelsea. We have got a lot of things to sort out. Then, when we come up against teams that are more closely matched to ourselves, we will cause them a lot of problems."

Image source, Getty Images

Excluding the relegated teams, no side has suffered more Premier League defeats since the start of last season than Wolves (20). The club has now won just one of their 19 league games in the month of August since promotion back to the top-flight in 2019 (D8 L10).

Were you at the game or following from elsewhere?

Have your say on Wolves' performance, external

What did you make of Chelsea's display?, external

Come back to this page on Monday to find a selection of your replies

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There are three games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you all the action and reaction.

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Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport Football News Reporter

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The word from Compton is that Wolves remain hopeful of adding to their squad before Friday's transfer deadline.

Boss Gary O'Neil knows what they need and what he wants, but Chelsea's visit on Sunday gives others the chance to see what is missing at Molineux.

Their chase of Dara O'Shea is ending in failure, with the defender poised to join Ipswich, and Wolves have already moved on. They could now prioritise a winger, filling the gap left by £54m Pedro Neto's move to Chelsea, and there is interest in 19-year-old Burnley winger Luca Koleosho.

Brentford rejected Wolves' interest in Yoane Wissa, and Italy Under-21 international Koleosho fits the young and cost-effective player with resale value that the club are keen on.

As fate would have it, the Clarets come to Molineux in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

But, for now, the focus is on Chelsea and Neto's return, after his switch to Stamford Bridge earlier this month.

Wolves did the double over the Blues last season, capped by Matheus Cunha's hat-trick in west London and, with Chelsea 'in transition' - as Gary O'Neil called them - Wolves will fancy their chances of maintaining their form against the Blues.

Since Wolves' return to the Premier League in 2018, Chelsea have won just three of their 12 meetings with Wolves.

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches this season, against a variety of guests.

For week two, he takes on Make Me A Mixtape hosts Clara Amfo and Jordan Stephens.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

It will be interesting to see the Chelsea team, Enzo Maresca has a big squad to pick from. But there will be no Raheem Sterling - he's taken the number seven off him.

Chelsea also played in the Conference League on Thursday night and I thought they were well beaten by Manchester City, but it has to click at some stage for them.

Wolves had their moments against Arsenal and this one has draw all over it.

Amfo's prediction: 0-2

Stephens' prediction: 2-2

Chelsea will probably smash them but I have gone for Wolves to get a draw.

Read the full predictions and have your say

Nick Mashiter
BBC Sport football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Wolves boss Gary O'Neil believes Pedro Neto could have landed a bigger move this summer without his previous injury issues.

The winger joined Chelsea for £54m earlier this month and will make a rapid return to Molineux with the Blues in the Premier League on Sunday.

Neto suffered two separate hamstring injuries which saw him miss almost four months of last season - problems which O'Neil feels possibly denied him a move to a Champions League club.

"The important thing for him now is being able to play week in, week out," he said.

"I always felt he was unfortunate with injuries, he never struck me as injury prone. That will be a question mark around him at the moment.

"It's not one I'd be concerned about, which is why I was desperate to keep him and play him every week, but you can understand that may have had an impact in the summer.

"But he can definitely play at any club in world football. His talent, work ethic and physical attributes allow him to play at whatever level he wants."

Neto, who has taken Raheem Sterling's number seven shirt at Chelsea, made his first start in the 2-0 Conference League win over Servette on Thursday.

The 24-year-old made a second-half substitute appearance in the 2-0 defeat by Manchester City on Sunday.

His move to Chelsea came after five years at Molineux, having joined from Lazio, and he made 135 appearances for Wolves, scoring 14 goals.

O'Neil added: "He is one of the best out-and-out wide players in world football. What he can do one-v-one, his explosive pace, what he can do when he arrives there, it allows him to do things not many players can do. It was an emotional goodbye.

"He loved it here - his time before I was here and how well it went for him last season on the pitch."