Wolves’ hunt for a new manager goes on, though Wanderers ended their search for a second Premier League win of the campaign when they eked out a 1-0 triumph over bottom club Nottingham Forest on Saturday. A trip to play Crystal Palace this evening represents a stiffer test for rudderless Wolves however, and the Eagles are targeting their fourth victory on the trot against the Midlanders later today.
We’ve put together a stats pack for today’s game below, which is jam-packed with key info on corners, cards, shots, assists, xG and more from the clubs’ Premier League campaigns so far. Hopefully, you’ll find our information useful when constructing bet builders for Palace’s clash with Wolves this evening. Take a look at my Stats Pack Guide if you need any more assistance.
Predicted Lineups
Jack Butland, James McArthur, Nathaniel Clyne, Nathan Ferguson and Chris Richards are all out injured for Crystal Palace, while midfielder Will Hughes is ill and isn’t available either.
Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta were named on the bench against Leeds at the weekend and both players could slot back into the XI this evening.
Caretaker Wolves boss Steve Davis is a little snookered in the final third with attackers Sasa Kalajdzic, Raul Jimenez, Chiquinho and Pedro Neto all absent.
Diego Costa lead the line against Forest at the weekend, though the veteran might not have the legs to start two games in the space of a few days and Hwang Hee-Chan might be chosen up top.
Team Stats
Crystal Palace picked up a point at Leicester at the weekend, though the Eagles have won only once in their last six attempts overall. Statistically, things look a little worrying for Palace in the xG against (1.82 p/90) and shots against (14.89 p/90) departments.
Patrick Vieira’s side have also been conceding their fair share of corners (5.56 p/90) and the Eagles’ fixtures have featured a high number of cards so far. Indeed, only five clubs have drawn more of them this term than Palace (18).
Wolves scored for just the fourth time this season when they netted from the spot against Forest last weekend and Wanderers also rank third-last in the division for shots on target mustered per 90 (2.70).
It’s little wonder then that their supporters greeted their goal against Forest with sarcastic chants. Defensively, Wolves’ 13.10 shots against per 90 figure places them in midtable for that metric.
Player Shots and Shots on Target
While Jean-Phillipe Mateta’s shooting stats jump off the page, it’s worth noting that the Frenchman has started just twice in the Premier League this term. Wilfried Zaha’s figures hold more weight given his larger sample size and the Ivorian managed two more attempts in last weekend’s 0-0 draw at Leicester.
Michael Olise (1.29 shots per 90) and Eberechi Eze (1.85 shots per 90) can also both pack a punch when offered a sight at goal. Eze managed to get two shots away at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
Wolves have shown little bite in the final third this season and a glance at their players’ individual shots-on-target stats casts an unflattering light on their performances.
Wingers Goncalo Guedes (0.56 SOT p/90) and Daniel Podence (0.66 SOT p/90) tend to dance around the periphery of games, while Matheus Nunes (1.45 shots p/90) has failed to impress following his summer move from Portugal.
Player Goals and Assists
Wilfried Zaha remains Crystal Palace’s top scorer (4), though he has gone four matches without a goal since netting against Brentford on August 30th.
Eberechi Eze has been the team’s main creative spark with two assists and the 24-year-old has also been playing more key passes per game (1.4) than any of his teammates so far.
Portuguese pair Daniel Podence and Ruben Neves are Wolves’ joint-leading scorers with two goals each, though Neves’ latest strike against Forest came from the penalty spot.
Veteran Diego Costa lodged his first shot against Nottingham Forest last weekend in what was his third appearance for the club, though the 34-year-old didn’t manage to get his effort on target.
Crystal Palace Cards
Cheick Doucoure has been a steely presence for Crystal Palace this season and the midfielder collected this third booking of the campaign against Leicester last weekend.
32-year-old Joel Ward (1.62 fouls p/90) has become a more-prominent fouler with age and the right-back could be worth keeping an eye on this evening against Wolves’ tricky wingers.
Joachim Andersen (2 cards) stands out at centre half. The defender committed three fouls against Leicester last time out and his penchant for a cynical challenge makes him a prime candidate to get booked against a counter-attacking Wolves outfit.
Goncalo Guedes (fouled 3.70 times per/90) could never be described as productive, though he does have a silky set of skills and the Portuguese winger could make life uncomfortable for Joel Ward today.
Similarly, Matheus Nunes (2.63 dribbles p/90) is an accomplished ball carrier through central areas and Palace’s Cheick Doucoure might have an ankle or two to clip this evening.
Adama Traore (fouled 1.94 times per 90) has worked his way back into Wolves’ team of late and if he stretches his legs through the middle, Joachim Andersen will be happy to take one for the team.
Match-Ups to watch
Joel Ward vs Goncalo Guedes
Cheick Doucoure vs Matheus Nunes
Joachim Andersen vs Adama Traore
Wolves Cards
When looking for card candidates at Wolves, it’s always best to train your focus on midfield, where Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho usually loiter with intent.
Neves has already been booked five times this term, while his foil in midfield, Moutinho, has been committing 2.27 fouls per 90. Moutinho was cautioned when Wolves last visited Selhurst Park in November last year.
Further back, Nathan Collins (1.25 fouls p/90) is the one to watch. The Irish international has already collected one yellow and one red card this season.
Wilfried Zaha (3.51 times per 90) has been the Premier League’s most-fouled player this season and the wide attacker will be hoping for some protection from referee David Coote this evening. When Zaha cuts in from the left, Nathan Collins will be waiting to meet him and that duel has some serious card potential.
In midfield, the quick feet of Jeffrey Schlupp (1.41 dribbles p/90) and Eberechi Eze (4.20 dribbles per 90) should draw some forceful tackles from Ruben Neves and Joao Moutinho later today. Both Wolves anchormen won’t hesitate if offered the chance to “leave one on” either Palace star.
Match-Ups to watch
Nathan Collins vs Wilfried Zaha
Ruben Neves vs Jeffrey Schlupp
Joao Moutinho vs Eberechi Eze
