This Saturday, November 2, 2024, Wolverhampton Wanderers will welcome Crystal Palace to Molineux Stadium for a high-stakes Premier League clash. With both teams hovering near the relegation zone, each will be desperate for a win to inject life into their campaigns. Wolves are still hunting for their first league victory, while Palace are looking to build on recent successes.
Current Standings
- Wolves find themselves in 19th place, managing only two points across their first nine games. A difficult start has left them with seven losses and two draws, placing them under immense pressure to reverse their fortunes.
- Crystal Palace currently sit in 17th, having recently climbed out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 victory over Tottenham. This win could mark the start of a revival for the Eagles, who have shown glimpses of improvement.
Recent Form
Wolves head into the game with mixed emotions after securing a 2-2 draw against Brighton. Despite trailing by two goals, they fought back valiantly, showcasing resilience that could be crucial in this matchup. However, converting such performances into victories remains a challenge for the team. This will be the focus of manager Gary O’Neil as he seeks a response from his squad.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, are in a more optimistic position after a solid run of recent results. A 1-0 win against Tottenham and a midweek 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in the EFL Cup have boosted morale within Roy Hodgson’s squad. Palace appear to be finding their rhythm and confidence, which could make them formidable opponents.
Head-to-Head Record
Crystal Palace have had the upper hand in recent encounters between the two sides. They’ve won four of their last five Premier League matches against Wolves, including a 3-1 victory at Molineux back in May 2024. Palace’s front line, featuring talents like Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, has proven too much for Wolves to handle in past meetings. This match could see Wolves attempting to break that trend on home turf.
Team News and Injuries
Wolves have a few key injuries affecting their lineup. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has returned to fitness, but they will miss several key players, including Yerson Mosquera, Sasa Kalajdzic, Enso Gonzalez, and Boubacar Traore. Mario Lemina, who was substituted due to a calf issue in the previous game, is hopeful of making an appearance this weekend, which would provide much-needed stability in midfield.
Crystal Palace will monitor Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton after their midweek outings, though both are expected to be available. Hodgson will be eager to have his full squad ready, especially after seeing them put in a solid display in the EFL Cup.
Key Players to Watch
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Wolves: All eyes will be on Mario Lemina if he is fit to play. His ability to control the midfield could be vital for Wolves. With Hwang Hee-Chan still sidelined, Wolves will need other attacking options, such as Neto, to step up and create scoring opportunities.
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Crystal Palace: Eberechi Eze remains the driving force for Palace, adding flair and creativity in the final third. Additionally, Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta will look to exploit Wolves’ defensive vulnerabilities. Olise’s vision and Mateta’s strength up front could cause issues for Wolves.
Match Outlook
This encounter promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both teams desperate for points to distance themselves from the relegation zone. Wolves will be hoping that home advantage helps them finally secure a victory, while Palace will want to capitalize on their recent momentum and keep moving up the table. Given the stakes and both teams’ recent form, fans can expect an intense, competitive game with a lot on the line.
While Wolves aim to claim their first win of the season, Crystal Palace will try to continue their upward trajectory and gain a crucial three points. Will Wolves break their winless streak, or can Palace solidify their climb out of the relegation battle? Fans will have all eyes on Molineux this Saturday to find out.