Match preview: Molineux stage set for a one-sided affair?
Wolverhampton Wanderers return to Molineux on November 22 with the weight of a season of struggles on their shoulders. The numbers are stark: 11 games played, zero wins, just two draws and nine defeats, only seven goals scored and a worrying 25 conceded. Their recent run reads like a cautionary tale — heavy defeats to Chelsea and Fulham, a 3-4 reverse at home to Chelsea earlier on and a 2-3 loss to Burnley — and there’s no clean sheet to point to. Crystal Palace arrive in far healthier shape. Sitting 10th with 17 points from 11 matches, Palace have picked up four wins and five draws, conceding only nine goals while scoring 14. Their recent string includes a confidence-building 0-0 draw with Brighton and a 2-0 victory over Brentford, and their goalkeeper earned praise as Jaydee Canvot topped the ratings in the last outing.
Anthony Taylor will take charge at a Molineux packed to a capacity of 32,050, where Wolves’ home defensive record (14 conceded at home) contrasts with Palace’s respectable away numbers. The underlying numbers tell a clear story: Palace boast more total shots (135 vs 105), more shots on target (49 vs 35) and a higher shots-inside-box tally, suggesting sustained attacking quality. Wolves’ attacking threat has been minimal, and their zero wins and zero clean sheets at this stage of the campaign make them vulnerable.
Key trends and narrative
Head-to-head history adds context. The most recent meeting in May ended 4-2 to Crystal Palace, a result that underlines Palace’s ability to both score and control matches against Wolves. Palace’s five clean sheets this season are particularly instructive when paired with Wolves’ inability to hold opponents out; that tension — Wolves leaking goals, Palace able to lock games down — points toward a single clear outcome. Wolves’ home matches have produced a healthy proportion of over 2.5 goals historically, but that has been driven by their defensive frailties rather than attacking dominance.
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Betting suggestion
Crystal Palace to win (Away) — bookmakers offer around 1.93. This is the primary pick. The probability and market price reflect Palace’s superior form, better defensive record (five clean sheets), stronger shot metrics and convincing recent H2H result. Wolves’ winless slump, heavy goals conceded and lack of clean sheets make the home victory an unlikely outcome. Stake sensibly and consider bankroll rules; on the 1X2 market the value is with Crystal Palace to claim three points at Molineux.