Wolves vs Crystal Palace Preview
- Over 1.5 goals
- Mateta to score
Wolves face a crucial home match against Crystal Palace as they continue their search for a first Premier League win of the season. With head coach Gary O’Neil under increasing pressure, this fixture against fellow strugglers could be pivotal in shaping Wolves’ campaign, as well as for the immediate future of their manager.
Wolves: A Season-Defining Matchup
Wolves’ dramatic 2-2 comeback against Brighton last weekend displayed the squad’s determination to fight for O’Neil, extending their winless start to nine matches (D2, L7).
This dismal start represents their longest winless streak to open a season in this century. Wolves have faced a challenging fixture list, with eight of their nine matches being against teams who were in the top half of the table in the previous round.
However, their next two games, both at home against Crystal Palace and Southampton, offer a clearer measure of their ability to compete.
Wolves’ fans will hope for a turning point here as they face a Crystal Palace side that has dominated this matchup recently, winning six of the last seven league meetings (L1). With pressure mounting, these games may well determine whether O’Neil remains at the helm.
Crystal Palace: Building on Their First Win
Crystal Palace finally broke their five-game losing streak last weekend with a 1-0 victory over Tottenham, a result that delighted head coach Oliver Glasner.
He credited the players’ “intensity, courage and bravery” for the win, and Palace will look to carry that momentum into their trip to Molineux. Despite their struggles earlier in the season, Palace have kept games close, with only one of their losses being by more than one goal.
Their record against Wolves will give them confidence; they won 3-1 in Wolverhampton back in May and will aim to replicate that performance. Palace now sit four points above Wolves, a gap that has typified the closeness between these teams over the past four seasons.
Key Players to Watch
Matheus Cunha (Wolves)
Cunha was instrumental in Wolves’ comeback against Brighton, scoring the equaliser that earned them a point. The striker found the net in both of Wolves’ losses to Palace last season, and his goal-scoring form could be crucial in Wolves’ push for their first win.
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
Palace’s striker has a great record against Wolves, scoring in both of his career starts at Molineux. Mateta’s experience and poise in front of goal make him a potential game-changer, especially in a contest where Palace has a recent history of success.
Wolves will need to sharpen their defence and stay focused to avoid conceding early, especially against a Palace side that is now building momentum. Matheus Cunha’s ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities will be crucial, particularly if Wolves look to impose themselves at home.
Crystal Palace, buoyed by their victory over Tottenham, will aim to control the midfield and exploit Wolves’ vulnerabilities at the back. Mateta’s clinical finishing and Palace’s ability to maintain intensity and composure will be key as they look to make it two wins in a row.
Final Thoughts
Wolves and Crystal Palace approach this fixture with different objectives: Wolves are desperate to secure their first win and relieve pressure on O’Neil, while Palace seeks to build on their recent success.
With key players like Cunha and Mateta in form, this matchup promises to be a closely contested battle at Molineux.
Will Wolves finally secure a long-awaited victory, or can Palace continue their dominance in this fixture and deepen Wolves’ struggles?
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