Crystal Palace vs Wolves Preview: Survival Hope Meets Selhurst Struggles

Premier League – Kick-off 14:00 GMT at Selhurst Park

Rob Edwards and his side come fresh off their incredible comeback against the league leaders from 2–0 down and are set to face a Crystal Palace team with only one win in their last 15 games in all competitions.

A late Tom Edozie goal pegged Arsenal back to 2–2 and clawed the division’s bottom-placed side into double digits for points, as Wolves arrive in South London unbeaten in their last three games. Could this be a tiny glimmer of hope for a side who still sit 17 points adrift of Nottingham Forest in 17th?

For the hosts, after a terrific away win against rivals Brighton two weeks ago that ended a five-game winless run, Oliver Glasner’s side appear to have dipped again. A 3–2 loss to Scott Parker’s Burnley where they surrendered a two-goal lead was followed by a 1–1 draw in the first leg of their Europa Conference League tie against Zrinjski Mostar.

Palace return from Bosnia to South London, but recent home form has not favoured the Eagles. They are chasing their first top-flight win at Selhurst Park since November and have suffered five home defeats half of their 10 total Premier League losses this season.

For the away side, Wolves recently halted a 13-game winless run when they beat League Two outfit Grimsby Town. There have also been signs of improvement in the league. A draw at the City Ground earned Rob Edwards’ side a point despite an arguably fortunate outcome.

Most notably, Wolves produced a stunning fightback on Wednesday night to deny Mikel Arteta’s side the chance to move seven points clear. Trailing 2–0 shortly after half-time, the Premier League’s bottom side looked destined for a 20th defeat of the season. But goals from Hugo Bueno and a dramatic 94th-minute strike from Tom Edozie secured their seventh draw of the campaign.

It has still been a difficult season for Wanderers supporters. Wolves have just one league win from 27 matches and have lost 10 of their 13 Premier League home games this season. However, they can travel to South London with optimism, facing opponents who are also struggling for consistency although history does not favour the visitors.

HEAD-TO-HEAD RECORD

Crystal Palace boast an impressive record against their West Midlands opponents. The Eagles have lost just once in their last 10 top-flight meetings with Wolves a 2–0 defeat at Molineux in April 2023.

Palace have also won their last five home matches against Wolves and have not been beaten by them at Selhurst Park in eight years.

The sides met in November earlier this season, when Palace secured a comfortable 2–0 victory at Molineux. Across the last four meetings, Palace have taken 13 points from a possible 15, including this season’s encounter.

Encouragingly for neutrals, the sides have not drawn 0–0 in their last 19 meetings. With Wolves conceding 50 goals this season the worst defensive record in the Premier League there should be opportunities at both ends.

TEAM NEWS

Crystal Palace could be without key central defender Maxence Lacroix, who was forced off just after the hour mark in their Conference League match and faces a late fitness test. Chadi Riad is also a doubt.

Confirmed absentees include Jean-Philippe Mateta (knee injury), Eddie Nketiah, Cheick Doucouré and Jefferson Lerma.

New signings Evann Guessand and Jørgen Strand Larsen are expected to start again, with the latter facing his former club just a month after leaving Molineux. Strand Larsen has already doubled his previous Wolves tally by scoring two goals in his first two games for Palace, including a first-half brace against Burnley.

Ismaïla Sarr is also set to complete the front three, as he looks to continue his strong run of form and add to his three goals in February. The Senegal international has delivered crucial contributions recently, including the winner against Brighton and a key goal in the European first leg.

For Wolves, Hwang Hee-chan is the only confirmed absentee, while Toti Gomes will be assessed before a decision is made on his availability.

Angel Gomes has passed a fitness test and is expected to return to Edwards’ squad, though breaking into a midfield featuring André and João Gomes both impressive in recent weeks will not be straightforward.

January signing Adam Armstrong is still searching for his first goal since arriving, and Wolves’ struggles in front of goal explain their position at the foot of the scoring charts, with just 18 league goals this season.

Only five Wolves players have scored more than once in the Premier League this term, with no individual exceeding two goals. However, Mateus Mané has shown promise, adding energy and attacking drive in recent performances.

PREDICTED LINE-UPS

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson; Hughes, Clyne, Richards, Muñoz, Mitchell; Kamada, Wharton; Sarr, Guessand, Strand Larsen

Wolves XI: Sá; Mosquera, S. Bueno, Krejčí, H. Bueno; André, J. Gomes; Tchatchoua, Bellegarde, Mané; Armstrong