In a clash of Premier League strugglers, Wolverhampton Wanderers host Crystal Palace at Molineux Stadium on Saturday. With both sides hovering perilously close to the relegation zone, this match could prove pivotal in their battles for top-flight survival.
Wolves Seek Resurgence Under O’Neil
Despite a spirited comeback to earn a draw at Brighton last weekend, Wolves find themselves languishing in 19th place with just six points from their opening nine fixtures. Manager Gary O’Neil, who guided the club to an impressive finish last season, faces mounting pressure to turn the tide.
The hosts will be buoyed by the potential return of goalkeeper José Sá, although backup option Sam Johnstone is also available. Midfielder Mario Lemina is expected to be fit, providing a boost to Wolves’ engine room.
Key Battles in Midfield
The midfield contest could prove decisive, with Wolves’ João Gomes and Matheus Nunes likely to face off against Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Cheick Doucouré. Both partnerships have shown flashes of quality this season, but consistency has been elusive.
It’s a massive game for both clubs. We know we need to start picking up points, and there’s no better time than now.
– Wolves midfielder João Moutinho
Palace Seek Momentum Under Glasner
Crystal Palace, sitting just two points and two places above their hosts, have endured a challenging start to life under new boss Oliver Glasner. The Eagles did, however, secure a morale-boosting Carabao Cup victory at Aston Villa in midweek.
- Palace will be without influential midfielder Eberechi Eze due to injury
- Teenage prospect Adam Wharton is also sidelined
- Odsonne Édouard could lead the line, with Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise in support
Head-to-Head History Favors Palace
The Eagles have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning three of the last four Premier League encounters between the sides. This includes a 3-1 triumph at Molineux late last season.
| Last 5 Meetings | Result |
| April 2024 | Wolves 1-3 Palace |
| October 2023 | Palace 1-0 Wolves |
| March 2023 | Wolves 2-1 Palace |
| August 2022 | Palace 2-0 Wolves |
| January 2022 | Palace 1-0 Wolves |
However, with both teams desperate for points, recent history may count for little. In a match that could be defined by fine margins, the outcome is difficult to predict.
Manager’s Final Thoughts
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Wolves boss Gary O’Neil stressed the importance of home advantage:
We know how important our home form will be this season. The fans can really be our 12th man, and we’ll need their support more than ever against Palace.
– Wolves manager Gary O’Neil
Meanwhile, Palace manager Oliver Glasner called for his side to build on their Carabao Cup win:
The victory at Villa Park showed what we’re capable of. Now we need to transfer that performance level to the Premier League. It won’t be easy at Wolves, but we have the quality to get a result.
– Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner
As kick-off approaches, tension mounts at Molineux. Both sets of supporters know the potential significance of this fixture. Can Wolves harness home advantage to clinch a vital victory? Or will Palace’s recent Molineux success continue?
Join us for live updates as the drama unfolds in this crunch Premier League basement battle. It promises to be a fascinating encounter with so much at stake for both clubs.
