When the Premier League returns after the international break, Wolves vs Crystal Palace will offer an intriguing contest as two teams in very different situations meet. The FA Cup and Community Shield holders, Crystal Palace, now well-settled under Oliver Glasner, have continued to build on the structure and identity he has established since taking over the team.
Wolves, on the other hand, have struggled to find stability after losing several key players and going through managers who couldn’t fully maximise the squad’s strengths. Their recent appointment of Rob Edwards is seen as a fresh attempt to restore direction and lift the team out of the relegation zone.
While this fixture may not be the kind of headline encounter that commands attention like the title-deciding clashes, it has steadily developed into a competitive and unpredictable matchup in recent seasons. The last eight meetings between the sides have produced up to 30 goals, along with several shock results that few expected.
With Palace looking for points to push Oliver Glasner’s team into the top four and Wolves still searching for their first League win of the season, both teams will approach this game as a crucial opportunity – one that could alter the momentum of their campaigns moving forward.
Can Rob Edwards Make Wolves Competitive Again?
A win alone won’t be enough for Wolves. The team’s performance under their new head coach must also show clear signs of progress if the fans are to fully embrace his football philosophy. Edwards’ appointment initially raised eyebrows, as the 42-year-old, who made over 100 appearances for Wolves as a defender from 2004-2008, left Middlesbrough, who are second in the EFL Championship – a club he only joined in June – to take the job.
He now inherits a disjointed Wolves side sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table, winless and eight points adrift of the relegation zone, making an immediate turnaround both necessary and highly demanding. Against Palace, both teams will be looking for a win to spark momentum, especially with the festive fixture congestion looming.
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Key Players in the Wolves vs Crystal Palace Clash
Wolves
Strand Larsen
In a team filled with inconsistencies, 6’4″ Norwegian forward Strand Larsen has been Wolves’ standout performer this season, producing three goals to sit as the club’s top scorer. His tireless movement, willingness to drop deep, and ability to link play – combined with a sharp eye for goal – have made him one of the side’s most influential attacking outlets. If the hosts are to nick a win in the Wolves vs Crystal Palace game, his presence and continued form will be crucial in turning one point into three.
Hee-Chan Hwang
One of Wolves’ longest-serving players, Hee-Chan Hwang, now in his fifth season, is yet to hit the level many know he’s capable of — a situation likely influenced by the team’s overall struggles.
The South Korean is electric on his day, capable of producing moments of magic, as he has demonstrated in the past. Moving forward, under a new regime, he could prove vital to the team’s style of play and play a key role in lifting Wolves out of the relegation zone.
Crystal Palace
Jean-Phillipe Mateta
With six goals to his name this season, French international Jean-Philippe Mateta is arguably Palace’s most potent attacking threat. His physical presence, intelligent movement, and finishing make him a constant danger in the final third, capable of turning tight games in his team’s favour. As Palace look to climb the Premier League table, Mateta’s ability to convert chances will be central to moving Oliver Glasner’s team into the top four.
Ismaila Sarr
Senegalese Ismaila Sarr, who is now in his second season with Crystal Palace, is already well-acquainted with the Premier League, having spent four years at Watford, where he scored 34 goals before a brief stint in France. This season, he has already contributed nine goals and assists, proving himself as a key creative spark for the team.
Versatile across the attacking line, Sarr combines pace, skill, and notable strength to drive Palace’s attacks. If given space against Wolves, he can punish the back-line and his sharp link-up play with Mateta will be central to the team’s attacking ambitions.
Marc Guehi
Englishman Marc Guehi left the national team after the foot injury he sustained during his club’s Conference League game against AZ Alkmaar left him in discomfort. Guehi, who was left out of the squad for England’s 2-0 win against Serbia, will now return to Palace to continue his recovery and will miss the Three Lions’ last World Cup qualifiers in Albania.
The former Chelsea academy graduate, who saw a transfer to Liverpool fall at the last minute, has continued to show why he is regarded as one of England’s finest young centre-backs as he is strong in duels, alert in space, and reliable in build-up. After missing the Brighton game and having more than a week’s rest, he may be available for the clash as long as he is fully recovered, and if the 25-year-old is to partake in the game, he will play a key role in containing Wolves’ dynamic attackers.
Given his impressive performances, he is set to be one of the most sought-after players in the January/Summer transfer window, with clubs like Chelsea and Bayern Munich poised to make their move.
Head to Head
The last eight Premier League clashes at Molineux:
- 2 Wolves vs Crystal Palace 2
- 1 Wolves vs Crystal Palace 3
- 2 Wolves vs Crystal Palace 0
- 0 Wolves vs Crystal Palace 2
- 2 Wolves vs Crystal Palace 0
- 2 Wolves vs Crystal Palace 0
- 0 Wolves vs Crystal Palace 2
- 1 Wolves vs Crystal Palace 2
Recent history shows just how unpredictable this fixture can be. With three wins, four losses and a draw in their last eight meetings, neither side holds clear dominance. Wolves’ form at home this season has not been the best, as their only wins so far have come in the EFL Cup, while they’ve lost all but one in the League.
With Rob Edwards in charge, the new manager bounce could just make the difference and help them pull off a victory.
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Betting Tips
Five of the last eight meetings between these sides have seen over 2.5 goals, and with both teams looking to build momentum after the international break, more goals seem likely.
Wolves have struggled defensively this season, conceding the most goals in the league (25), and they could face further problems against a Palace side that has been much more solid at the back, letting in only nine.
Also, Wolves’ home form has been inconsistent, and while a new manager might spark a change, Palace’s compact and disciplined setup makes it difficult for opponents to break through. Given this, a draw could be the most realistic outcome for Wolves.
Final Bet: Double Chance: Crystal Palace win or draw |Both Teams to Score | Over 1.5 Goals
Wolves vs Crystal Palace score prediction: 1-2
Conclusion
Wolves vs Crystal Palace may not be the glamour headline of Gameweek 12, but it carries real significance for both clubs. A win could push Oliver Glasner’s team into the top four – depending on the results of other teams – while a win for new boss Rob Edwards would see them get their first win and give them the belief needed to fight to move up the relegation zone.
For Wolves fans, they just need to taste victory again. Their last win in the league came back in April – a 3-0 victory over Leicester City. For Palace supporters, it’s a chance to stretch their unbeaten run to five matches, a momentum boost that could further solidify their place in the top half of the Premier League table.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / News Images
Recording Date: 26.10.2025
