Wolverhampton Wanderers host Crystal Palace at Molineux on Saturday evening, with both teams in urgent need of points to move away from the drop zone. Wolves come off an inspiring late draw with Brighton, while Palace arrive boosted by their recent EFL Cup win over Aston Villa, which saw them secure a quarter-final place.
With both teams showing mixed recent form, this match could prove vital in shaping their season trajectories.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Recent Form
Wolves recently broke a lengthy winless streak, drawing 2-2 with Brighton thanks to a last-minute equaliser from Matheus Cunha.
Despite their defensive struggles, having conceded multiple goals in seven consecutive games, Wolves have shown some resilience, scoring in each of their last ten outings.
Currently 19th in the Premier League with only two points from their last six matches, Gary O’Neil’s side will be desperate for a morale-boosting victory in front of their home fans.
Injury and Team News
Wolves captain Mario Lemina, withdrawn against Brighton with a calf issue, is expected to recover in time to feature, while Sam Johnstone may return to the squad.
However, they remain without key players like Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, and Boubacar Traore, all sidelined with knee injuries, and Hwang Hee-chan is a doubt with an ankle issue.
Last Wolverhampton Wanderers Lineup
Here is how Wolves lined up for their last match:
Crystal Palace Recent Form
Palace’s form has shown signs of improvement, winning their last two matches, including a fairly shocking victory over Aston Villa in the EFL Cup. However, they’ve struggled away in the Premier League, with only one clean sheet in their last 17 away matches.
Sitting 17th in the table, Oliver Glasner’s side is under pressure to improve their league form to avoid being pulled further into the relegation battle.
Injury and Team News
Palace face a challenging injury list, with star playmaker Eberechi Eze sidelined due to a hamstring injury which got worse against Villa midweek, while Adam Wharton is also a doubt after also coming off on Wednesday.
Jefferson Lerma, Matheus Franca, and Chadi Riad also remain unavailable, leaving Glasner with limited options in midfield and defence.
Last Crystal Palace Lineup
Here is how Crystal Palace lined up for their last match:
Wolves vs Crystal Palace - Who is the referee and VAR?
Referee: Anthony Taylor.
Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn.
Fourth official: Simon Hooper.
VAR: Paul Tierney.
Assistant VAR: Ian Hussin.
Wolves Player to Watch
Matheus Cunha - Following his late goal against Brighton, Cunha’s finishing touch could be the difference-maker for Wolves. His ability to find space and deliver under pressure could expose Palace’s defensive frailties.
Crystal Palace Player to Watch
Jean-Philippe Mateta - Fresh off scoring against Aston Villa, Mateta’s physical presence in the box will challenge Wolves' backline, which has struggled with high balls and aerial threats this season.
Prediction
While both teams are showing signs of improvement, Wolves’ home advantage and Crystal Palace’s injuries could prove decisive.
Expect a tight contest with Wolves likely edging it 2-1, given their recent scoring form, Palace’s vulnerable away record and their injury woes.
Betting Tips
Tip 1: Both teams to score
Wolves have scored in 10 straight matches, while Palace have conceded regularly on the road. This could be a game with goals for both sides.
Tip 2: Wolves to win
Given Wolves’ home advantage and Palace’s depleted squad, a narrow Wolves win is a strong possibility.
Tip 3: Matheus Cunha to score anytime
With his current form, Cunha is likely to find the net against a Palace defence weakened by injuries and recent inconsistencies.
