Chris Sutton predicts how Wolves will fare against Crystal Palace in ‘close’ encounter 

The biggest game of Wolves campaign is on the horizon as they host Crystal Palace in a relegation six-pointer.

Wolves remain winless from their opening nine games, but after salvaging a 2-2 draw against Brighton last weekend in a stunning comeback, perhaps Gary O’Neil’s side will have new-found confidence.

O’Neil said in his pre-match press conference that Sam Johnstone and Mario Lemina should be fit for the clash against Palace, and that is a huge boost for the Old Gold.

As for the Eagles, Oliver Glasner is without Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton, after they suffered injuries in the Carabao Cup win over Aston Villa in midweek.

Paul Merson has predicted Wolves to win 1-0 against Palace, with another pundit now sharing his verdict on the match.

Chris Sutton issues Wolves vs Crystal Palace score prediction

Although O’Neil has said that Wolves haven’t entered must-win territory, it is clear from everyone else that they have, as they host Palace and then Southampton.

Should the worst-case scenario unfold, and they lose both of those games, not only would the manager be on his way out potentially but the Wanderers would be given a mountain to climb.

• READ MORE: Wolves predicted lineup, team and injury news as Pablo Sarabia unleashed vs Crystal Palace

Wolves are currently second bottom on just two points and can close the gap to Palace in 17th to just a point with a win, and Chris Sutton thinks they will.

Predicting the Old Gold to win 1-0, Sutton told BBC Sport: “Like Saints, they are winless but they have been playing pretty well and maybe Matheus Cunha’s stoppage-time equaliser for them against Brighton will be the moment they turn their season around.

“I don’t think Wolves will lose this game, but the question is will they win it? I worry about them conceding goals and Crystal Palace are likely to have a bit more confidence going forward after their win over Tottenham on Sunday, when Eberechi Eze played really well.

“So, what do I go for here? It is going to be close, but I am going to say Gary O’Neil’s side will finally win, and keep a clean sheet too.”

• READ MORE: Oliver Glasner names the three Wolves players who are ‘quality’ amid ‘dangerous’ verdict

Wolves miserable head-to-head record vs Crystal Palace

For Wolves to achieve an all-important victory at Molineux, they’ll have to overcome their recent woes against Palace, who have won six of the last seven encounters since January 2021.

The last seven meetings between the two make for grim reading for Wolves, who have conceded three goals on their last two occasions against the Eagles.

O’Neil’s men also currently have the worst defensive record in the division, shipping 25 goals in just nine matches, and that is something that will have to change if they are to secure a win this evening.