After a brilliant 2018-19 Premier League season, Wolverhampton Wanderers are in serious trouble in the early stages of the new term.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s Wolves kicked off their Europa League qualifying campaign in the summer and competed in six matches prior to kicking of the Premier League season. Now, in the tournament’s group stage, Wolves are still struggling to get points in the Premier League.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are coming off of a Thursday night loss at Molineaux to Portugal’s Sporting Braga. The late loss now ushers Wolverhampton Wanderers back into league play as they head to London to play Crystal Palace.
Not our night. Back to work tomorrow.🐺👊 pic.twitter.com/yxM6wlC2ly— Wolves (@Wolves) September 19, 2019
Not our night. Back to work tomorrow.🐺👊 pic.twitter.com/yxM6wlC2ly
Crystal Palace, who were fourth to start matchday five in the Premier League, suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur last time out.
Roy Hodgson’s team has lost just twice in their first five matches and while goals have been in short supply, Crystal Palace have been difficult to defeat. The Eagles have collected four points from six possible at Selhurst Park this season.
History bodes well for Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday. The away team won both fixtures between Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers last season. Wolves went to Selhurst Park and collected a 1-0 win in October. Matt Doherty’s 56th-minute goal gave Wolves the spoils.
However, the two teams are in different places this term. It is Wolverhampton Wanderers who are struggling to gain points while Crystal Palace are playing well.
Hodgson has players fighting for fitness for the weekend. Scott Dann is listed at 75% likely to play on Sunday. Martin Kelly and Conor Wickham are also listed at 75% likely to feature for Crystal Palace against Wolves.
Meanwhile, James Tomkins and James McArthur are both long-shots to make Hodgson’s team. If the two can recover in time from their injury issues, Hodgson will have a large squad to choose from against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
In contrast to Crystal Palace’s injury situation, Santo has no reported injuries heading into the weekend. The manager has stated Wolverhampton Wanderers cannot blame the Europa League for their play. They must collect points soon or possibly suffer a relegation battle come next spring.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are just one point from safety in the Premier League. A win over Crystal Palace could propel them out of the bottom three depending on results elsewhere.
It will be a difficult task for Wolverhampton Wanderers to get a win. Crystal Palace have played well at home posting a draw and win. The Eagles should continue that excellent form with a victory at home against Wolves.
Expect both teams to score with Crystal Palace just edging their rivals. There will be over 2.5 goals scored with more pressure being heaved on Wolverhampton Wanderers.