Crystal Palace had their own European ambitions prior to Project Restart, with the Eagles on course to secure their best ever Premier League finish after their 2-0 away win over Bournemouth.

However, since their win on the South Coast, Roy Hodgson's side have struggled to adapt to the quick turnaround of games in fast succession, with Palace's thin and ageing squad unable to keep with the fast-paced Premier League life.

The Eagles, who are known for their defensive prowess under Hodgson, are conceding goals at an alarming rate - in their last six games the South Londoners have conceded 15 goals and have only found the back of the net twice themselves during this period.

As for Wolves they were dreaming possibly sneaking into the Champions League places prior to the enforced break, but their back to back losses to Arsenal and Sheffield United put their dreams to bed.

Wolves currently find themselves in 7th place and, should they claim all three points against Palace, that will all but confirm their place in the Europa League for next season’s competition.

Team News

Wolves

After their 1-1 draw with Burnley last time out, Wolves boss, Nuno Espírito Santo, will look to reshuffle his pack after their disappointing result.

The Portuguese manager will have a fully fit squad to choose from; he will, however, face a tough decision about which winger to start alongside the potent Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore, with Diogo Jota and Daniel Podence both causing a good headache for their boss.

Crystal Palace

Roy Hodgson will still be without striker, Christian Benteke, who will miss the rest of the season through suspension.

Palace are still plagued with injures at the back, with Hodgson's preferred centre back pairing of Gary Cahill and James Tomkins expected to miss the rest of the season.

The Eagles’ injury woes worsened in their 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on Wednesday evening after left-back, Patrick Van Aanholt, dislocated his shoulder following a collision with United striker, Antony Martial.

With the Dutch International set for a spell on the sidelines it will provide the perfect opportunity to academy graduate, Tyrick Mitchell, to make the position his own, after his impressive cameo against The Red Devils.

Hodgson will also face a late decision about captain and midfield lynchpin, Luka Milivojevic, who picked up a knock against United in midweek.

Predicted Lineups 

Palace: Guaita; Ward, Dann, Sakho, Mitchell; McArthur, Milivojevic, McCarthy; Townsend, Ayew, Zaha. 

Wolves: Patricio; Boly, Coady, Saiss; Doherty, Neves, Moutinho, Jonny; Traore, Jimenez, Jota. 

Form guides

Wolves: WLLWD

Palace: LLLLL

Last meeting

Manager thoughts

Nuno Espírito Santo (Via Wolves.co.uk)

“I think we are improving, always trying to become better, knowing it’s been a difficult season – ups and downs. We’ve always been able to react to the not so good performances, bounce back and play good. It’s always the same, it’s been like this since three seasons ago, and I think it’s a long process of building and improving and we’re still on the way."

“What’s important is to compete well. This is what we want for the next one, to compete well, be organised, solid and play good football."

Roy Hodgson (Via CPFC.co.uk)

"They [Wolves] are good. They were good last season and they’re good this season. Nuno [Espirito Santo] has done a very good job there.

"He’s got a team that knows what they’re doing. They play to use the talents they have to the best of their abilities and whenever you play them, be it home or away, you know you’re in for a very tough game."

"All we can do is prepare for that to make certain our players know what they’re likely to be confronted with on the field and then to hope we can produce the performance which will give us the chance to get out of this losing streak."

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