Following high-scoring EFL Cup wins for both sides in midweek, Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers return to Premier League action on Sunday.
Key Takeaways
- Crystal Palace came from 2-0 down to beat Plymouth Argyle 4-2 on Tuesday
- Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers thrashed Blackpool 5-0
- Both sides have won one of their three Premier League games this season
Wolves picked up their first win under Gary O’Neil as they defeated Everton 1-0 last weekend, although they remain one point behind Crystal Palace, who have recorded one win, one draw and one loss in the league this term.
Crystal Palace Form
Crystal Palace kicked off their campaign with a 1-0 victory over newly-promoted Sheffield United. Not only did the Eagles rack up 68% possession and 24 shots, but they also limited the Blades to a solitary attempt on target at Bramall Lane.
Following a 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, Roy Hodgson’s side played out a 1-1 draw with Brentford last weekend. However, the Eagles returned to winning ways in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, with Jean-Philippe Mateta netting a hat-trick in a 4-2 victory over Plymouth.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Form
After giving a good account of themselves against Manchester United on the opening weekend – registering 23 shots in a 1-0 defeat at Old Trafford – Wolves suffered a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Brighton & Hove Albion on Matchday 2.
Since then, however, Gary O’Neil’s men have notched back-to-back wins. Following a 1-0 victory over Everton last weekend – courtesy of a last-gasp Sasa Kalajdzic winner – Wolves crushed Blackpool 5-0 in midweek, with the returning Matt Doherty bagging a brace.
Head-to-Head
Crystal Palace have won four of their last five Premier League meetings with Wolverhampton Wanderers, keeping three clean sheets in the process.
Given that only one of the previous 11 encounters between Palace and Wolves has produced more than two goals, Sunday’s clash looks destined to be a low-scoring affair.
Team News
Unfortunately for the Eagles, they are still without key winger Michael Olise due to a thigh injury. On top of that, new signing Matheus Franca and midfielder Will Hughes remain sidelined.
As for Wolves, they will be without injured midfielder Joseph Hodge for the foreseeable future, while South Korean forward Hwang Hee-chan is a doubt for Sunday’s showdown.
Key Players
Crystal Palace completed the signing of goalkeeper Dean Henderson from Manchester United on Thursday. The Eagles have also acquired defensive midfielder Jefferson Lerma, giving more freedom to the likes of Eberechi Eze and Jordan Ayew.
On the flip side, Wolves have lost Ruben Neves, Nathan Collins, Conor Coady, Raul Jimenez, Joao Moutinho and Adama Traore this summer. However, the arrival of Matheus Cunha, Santiago Bueno and Matt Doherty should soften the blow.
How to Watch on TV or Online
Crystal Palace vs Wolverhampton Wanderers will be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra HDR in the UK.
Final Thoughts
If recent meetings between Crystal Palace and Wolves are anything to go by, Sunday’s clash will be a low-scoring affair. With the lively Selhurst Park crowd behind them, the Eagles enter the contest as favourites, but O’Neil’s men will fancy their chances of upsetting the odds.