Warriors vice-captain handed a breather as fellow Zimbabwean Tawanda Chirewa makes the bench for League Cup tie
After a run of high-intensity performances and three goals in four matches, Marshall Munetsi has been handed a well-earned rest tonight as Wolverhampton Wanderers host Chelsea in the Carabao Cup Last 16 at Molineux.
The Zimbabwe vice-captain, who has been central to Wolves’ midfield resurgence in recent weeks, starts on the bench — a clear signal from coach Vítor Pereira that rotation and recovery are key as the Premier League schedule tightens.
Munetsi’s absence from the starting XI opens the door for fellow Zimbabwean Tawanda Chirewa, who is also among the substitutes and could be handed another opportunity to impress if called upon. The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has been quietly pushing for more minutes after a string of promising cameos in cup fixtures earlier this season.
Pereira has opted for a compact 5-4-1 setup, with Toti Gomes, Mosquera, and Agbadou forming a defensive trio, while Hwang Hee-Chan and Fer López add attacking thrust behind striker Tolu Arokodare.
Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, have named a youthful but dynamic side featuring Romeo Lavia, Andrey Santos, and teenage sensation Estêvão — signalling a battle of energy and depth at Molineux.
For Munetsi, the night represents a chance to recharge after his relentless run of performances ahead of a crucial November league stretch and the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco this December, where he is expected to anchor Zimbabwe’s midfield once again.