After the final international break of the year, the Premier League returns with an intriguing clash at Molineux as Wolverhampton Wanderers host Crystal Palace. The home side are rooted to the bottom of the table after 11 matches, while the visitors sit comfortably in mid-table. This fixture offers both teams a chance to reset their campaigns — Wolves in search of their first win of the season, and Palace looking to maintain their solid form under Oliver Glasner.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Recent Form and Key Stats

It has been a nightmare start to the season for Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Old Gold have collected just two points from their opening 11 Premier League games, making them only the third team in league history to reach that mark after so many matches. Their defensive frailties have been glaring, with 25 goals conceded — the worst record in the division — and at least one goal allowed in each of their last 15 league fixtures. They have also lost their last five matches, including a heavy 3-0 defeat to Chelsea before the international break.

At Molineux, Wolves have struggled to make their home advantage count. They have lost four of their five home league games this season, conceding three or more goals in each of those defeats. The last clean sheet in front of their fans dates back to April, and their attack has been equally concerning, with only seven goals scored in total. Despite these issues, there is a sense of renewed optimism following the appointment of Rob Edwards, who returns to the club hoping to inspire a turnaround.

There are some positives for the hosts. Emmanuel Agbadou is back from suspension and available for selection, while Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen will look to build on his confidence after scoring a spectacular goal for his national team during the international break. If Edwards can find a way to provide better service to Larsen, Wolves may finally start converting their chances into points. However, injuries continue to affect the squad, with Rodrigo Gomes, Matt Doherty, and Leon Chiwome all sidelined.

Crystal Palace’s Recent Form and Key Stats

Crystal Palace entered the November break in good spirits after a 0-0 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion, extending their unbeaten run to four matches across all competitions (three wins and one draw). During this stretch, the Eagles have kept three clean sheets, showcasing their defensive solidity. Their only concession came in a 3-1 Conference League victory over AZ Alkmaar earlier in the month.

Palace’s away form has been respectable, with seven points from five away matches (two wins, one draw, two defeats). However, both of those losses came in their last two road trips, suggesting some vulnerability away from Selhurst Park. Under Glasner, Palace have developed a disciplined and compact style, rarely losing control of matches — they have avoided defeat at half time in 22 of their last 24 fixtures. The team’s defensive organization is further highlighted by the fact that Dean Henderson has recorded the second-most clean sheets in the Premier League this season.

Nevertheless, there are some fitness concerns. Central defender Marc Guehi withdrew from the England squad due to injury and remains a doubt for this match. On the positive side, Glasner has received several boosts, with Cheick Doucoure, Chadli Riad, Eddie Nketiah, and Rio Cardines all returning to training. One standout performer has been Daniel Muñoz, who ranks second in the league for off-the-ball runs into the opposition box (53), trailing only Viktor Gyökeres.

Wolves vs Crystal Palace: Tactical Overview and Analysis

This fixture brings together two sides with contrasting fortunes. Wolves are desperate to end their winless streak and climb off the bottom of the table, while Palace aim to consolidate their top-half position. The hosts will likely rely on a compact setup under Edwards, hoping to tighten their defense and exploit counterattacks through Larsen’s movement. Palace, on the other hand, will look to control possession and use their wide players to stretch the Wolves backline.

Historically, this matchup has favored the visitors. Wolves are winless in their last four league meetings with Palace (one draw, three defeats), and the last encounter ended in a 4-2 victory for the Eagles in May 2025. The statistics also suggest a low-scoring affair: Palace’s last ten away matches have all featured under 3.5 goals, while Wolves’ home games have consistently seen goals before half time but few clean sheets. The key battle could be between Wolves’ fragile defense and Palace’s efficient attack, led by Nketiah and Muñoz.

While Palace appear the stronger side on paper, their record after international breaks is less convincing — just one win in their last seven such matches under Glasner. This could open the door for Wolves to take advantage of any rustiness and possibly find the net at home. Given both teams’ tendencies — Wolves’ defensive leaks and Palace’s attacking consistency — a competitive and open contest seems likely.

Wolves vs Crystal Palace Prediction by BetMines

The most likely outcome is Both Teams To Score (Yes) with a 51% probability.