Crystal palace vs Wolves

Crystal Palace, fresh off their triumphant FA Cup victory, are set to resume their Premier League campaign as they host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Selhurst Park on Tuesday. The Eagles soared to glory on Saturday with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Manchester City at Wembley, securing their first major trophy in years and booking their place in next season’s Europa League. The victory was a testament to their resilience, as they withstood relentless pressure from one of Europe’s elite sides, capitalizing on a decisive 16th-minute strike that proved enough to clinch the trophy. Despite being outplayed in possession and chances, Palace’s defensive discipline and clinical finishing ensured they lifted the cup, marking a historic moment for the club and its supporters.

Currently sitting 12th in the Premier League with 49 points, Palace have enjoyed a respectable campaign under manager Oliver Glasner, whose tactical acumen has revitalized the squad since his arrival. Their FA Cup success has already made this season unforgettable, but they still have ambitions in the league, with a chance to finish as high as 10th—a position that would equal their best Premier League finish since their return to the top flight in 2013-14. Their recent league form has been encouraging, with a 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on May 11 extending their unbeaten run to four matches (three draws and a win). Another point from their remaining fixtures would see them surpass their highest points tally since promotion, further solidifying their progress.

Selhurst Park has been a fortress for Palace in recent months, with the team unbeaten in their last eight home matches, winning six of those while scoring 15 goals and keeping four clean sheets. This formidable home record will give them confidence as they prepare to face a Wolverhampton Wanderers side that has struggled for consistency. Wolves, sitting 14th with 41 points, suffered a 2-0 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in their last outing, a match where they were punished for defensive lapses despite creating promising opportunities. Their underlying metrics (0.91 non-penalty xG compared to Brighton’s 0.78) suggest they were somewhat unfortunate, but their inability to convert chances has been a recurring issue.

Wolves’ recent form has been mixed. Before their back-to-back losses to Manchester City and Brighton, they had strung together an impressive six-game winning streak, including victories over Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur—proof of their potential when at their best. However, their struggles in front of goal have resurfaced, failing to score in their last two matches while conceding three times. Manager Vitor Pereira will be eager to reignite their attacking threat, particularly given their poor historical record against Palace. While Wolves managed a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture in November, they have lost six of their last eight meetings with the Eagles, including a dismal run at Selhurst Park, where they have failed to win in their last six visits (five defeats and one draw).

For Palace, the challenge will be managing fatigue and maintaining focus after the emotional high of their FA Cup triumph. Glasner may rotate his squad to keep legs fresh, but the momentum from their recent performances—coupled with their stellar home form—makes them favorites. Key players like Dean Henderson, who played a crucial role in the cup final, will be vital in maintaining defensive solidity, while the attacking trio of Eze, Olise, and Mateta will look to exploit Wolves’ defensive vulnerabilities.

Wolves, meanwhile, must rediscover their clinical edge if they are to trouble Palace. The absence of a reliable goal scorer has hampered them at times this season, and Pereira may need tactical adjustments to break down Palace’s organized backline. Their away form has been decent, with four wins in their last five Premier League travels, but Selhurst Park has been a bogey ground for them, and overcoming that psychological hurdle will be crucial.

In summary, this fixture presents an intriguing clash between a Palace side riding a wave of confidence and a Wolves team seeking to end their season on a positive note. The hosts’ defensive resilience and home dominance contrast with Wolves’ sporadic attacking form and historical struggles in this matchup. While Palace’s European qualification is already secured, a strong league finish would further enhance their remarkable campaign, whereas Wolves will aim to salvage pride and build momentum ahead of next season.