Crystal Palace vs Wolverhampton: Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips – Sunday, 22 February

In this Premier League clash on Sunday, 22 February, Crystal Palace host Wolverhampton Wanderers at Selhurst Park. Both sides are eager to strengthen their league positions, with Crystal Palace aiming to make the most of their home advantage at Selhurst Park.

Wolverhampton Wanderers, meanwhile, will be determined to upset the hosts and claim valuable points on the road. Both teams have shown glimpses of quality this season, setting up what could be a closely contested encounter. Our match preview, prediction, and betting tips will focus on the key players and tactical approaches likely to influence the outcome of this Premier League fixture.

Crystal Palace vs Wolverhampton: Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Back Crystal Palace to Win	1.63

Given Crystal Palace’s strong attacking form and solid historical home record against Wolverhampton Wanderers, our recommended betting tip is to back Crystal Palace to win. Despite not having won at home since 1 November, Palace’s consistency and Wolverhampton’s recent struggles make this a compelling bet.

• Crystal Palace have won their last five home matches against Wolverhampton Wanderers, underlining a significant historical advantage.
• Wolverhampton Wanderers are winless in their last seven matches in this competition, highlighting their poor current form.
• Crystal Palace average around 1.5 goals per home game, demonstrating attacking strength, while Wolverhampton Wanderers have struggled for goals away from home.

Betting Odds

Crystal Palace enter this match as favourites with odds of 1.63, reflecting their strong home form at Selhurst Park. Wolverhampton Wanderers are the underdogs at 5.2, though their ability to spring a surprise away from home should not be overlooked.

Betting Tip	Odds
Crystal Palace to win	1.63
Draw	3.97
Wolverhampton to win	5.2

The draw is priced at 3.97, which may appeal to those expecting a tightly contested match. With both teams capable of scoring, the over 2.5 goals market could also be worth considering.

Crystal Palace: Analysis & Recent Performance

Crystal Palace’s recent form has been inconsistent, with just one win in their last five matches across all competitions. Their recent results include a 1-1 draw against Zrinjski Mostar in the Conference League and a narrow 2-3 defeat to Burnley in the Premier League.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Zrinjski Mostar	Crystal Palace	1 – 1 (Draw)	Conference League Final Stage	19 Feb 2026
Crystal Palace	Burnley	2 – 3 (Loss)	Premier League	11 Feb 2026
Brighton	Crystal Palace	0 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	8 Feb 2026
Nottingham Forest	Crystal Palace	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	1 Feb 2026
Crystal Palace	Chelsea	1 – 3 (Loss)	Premier League	25 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
Crystal Palace have averaged 1.20 goals per game in their last five matches, conceding 1.80 on average. While they have scored in all five games, they have kept only one clean sheet, revealing defensive frailties. At Selhurst Park, their form is a concern, with no wins in their last five home matches (two draws, three defeats), resulting in a home win ratio of 0.00.

Team Statistics:

• DLWDL

Jean-Philippe Mateta has been a standout performer, leading the scoring charts with 8 goals this season. However, the team has struggled to convert chances, with just one win in their last five outings (win ratio 0.20). Despite dominating possession—67% against Zrinjski Mostar—Crystal Palace have not consistently turned control into results.

Crystal Palace: Suspensions & Injuries

Crystal Palace are contending with several key injuries that could significantly affect their tactical approach against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Cheick Doucouré is sidelined with a knee injury, while Jefferson Lerma is out with a hamstring problem—both absences leave a notable gap in midfield. These players are crucial for defensive stability and linking play, so manager Oliver Glasner will need Daichi Kamada and Adam Wharton to step up, possibly requiring adjustments to the midfield setup.

The forward line is also depleted, with Edward Nketiah and Jean-Philippe Mateta both out through injury (strain and knee injury, respectively). This limits Palace’s attacking options and puts extra pressure on Joergen Strand Larsen to deliver up front. The team may look to focus more on wing play, with Ismaila Sarr providing width and pace to compensate for the lack of central strikers.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Cheick Doucouré	Knee injury	Early March 2026
Edward Nketiah	Strain injury	Mid April 2026
Jean-Philippe Mateta	Knee injury	Mid March 2026
Jefferson Lerma	Hamstring Injury	Mid March 2026

From a betting perspective, these injuries could slightly shift the odds in favour of Wolverhampton Wanderers, given Palace’s reduced squad depth. The absence of key personnel may influence the match outcome, with tactical adjustments and formation changes likely to be crucial for Palace.

Crystal Palace: Key Players

Crystal Palace will be looking to Jean-Philippe Mateta, their top scorer with 8 goals, to lead the attack. Mateta’s physicality and finishing make him a constant threat in the box. However, with Mateta ruled out through injury, Joergen Strand Larsen is expected to lead the line. His ability to hold up play and link with teammates could be vital in breaking down Wolverhampton Wanderers’ defence.

In midfield, Daichi Kamada’s creativity and vision will be central to Palace’s attacking play. Kamada’s passing and movement can unlock defences, while Ismaila Sarr’s pace and dribbling from the flanks offer a significant threat, stretching the opposition and creating space.

Expected lineup for Crystal Palace

At the back, Chris Richards and Nathaniel Clyne will be key to defensive stability. Richards’ aerial ability and Clyne’s experience are crucial for dealing with Wolverhampton Wanderers’ attacking threats. Palace are likely to focus on quick transitions and exploiting the flanks, with Sarr and Kamada pivotal to this approach. The contributions of these players could be decisive in determining Palace’s success.

Crystal Palace: Tactics & Formation

Crystal Palace Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Joergen Strand Larsen
• Midfield Dynamics: Daichi Kamada and Adam Wharton
• Defensive Lineup: Chris Richards, Nathaniel Clyne, Will Hughes
• Notable Strategy: Wing-back utilisation and midfield control.

Crystal Palace’s 3-4-2-1 formation is designed to maximise midfield strength and wing-back involvement. Daichi Kamada and Adam Wharton orchestrate play centrally, aiming to control possession and dictate the tempo. The wing-backs, Tyrick Mitchell and Daniel Munoz, are crucial for providing width and supporting both defensive and attacking transitions.

Defensively, the trio of Chris Richards, Nathaniel Clyne, and Will Hughes offers a blend of experience and agility. This setup is intended to absorb pressure while allowing the wing-backs to push forward, though the absence of Maxence Lacroix due to injury could test their depth.

In attack, Joergen Strand Larsen is tasked with capitalising on chances created from the flanks and midfield. With top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta sidelined, Palace may need to adapt by relying more on Ismaila Sarr’s pace and creativity.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Analysis & Recent Performance

Wolverhampton Wanderers have struggled for consistency recently, recording just one win in their last five matches across all competitions. Their recent results include a 2-2 draw with Arsenal and a narrow 1-0 win over Grimsby in the FA Cup, alongside league defeats to Chelsea and Bournemouth.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Wolverhampton	Arsenal	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	Feb 18, 2026
Grimsby	Wolverhampton	0 – 1 (Win)	FA Cup	Feb 15, 2026
Nottingham Forest	Wolverhampton	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	Feb 11, 2026
Wolverhampton	Chelsea	1 – 3 (Loss)	Premier League	Feb 7, 2026
Wolverhampton	Bournemouth	0 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	Jan 31, 2026

Recent Form:

• DWDLL

Wolverhampton Wanderers have averaged just 0.80 goals per game in their last five matches, while conceding 1.40 on average, with only two clean sheets. Their away form is also problematic, with only one win and three draws in their last five away fixtures (win ratio 0.20). Currently bottom of the Premier League with just 10 points, Wolves’ defensive weaknesses and lack of attacking threat are clear areas for improvement.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Suspensions & Injuries

Wolverhampton Wanderers are facing a difficult period with several injuries affecting their squad depth. Leon Chiwome is out with a cruciate ligament injury until mid-March, while Toti Gomes is doubtful due to a hamstring issue. Angel Gomes is recovering from a back injury and may miss this match, with a return expected in late February. Hee-Chan Hwang is sidelined with a knock until early March, further limiting attacking options.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Leon Chiwome	Cruciate ligament injury	Mid March 2026
Toti Gomes	Hamstring injury	Doubtful
Hee-Chan Hwang	Knock	Early March 2026
Angel Gomes	Back injury	Late February 2026

The absence of Angel Gomes may require Wolverhampton to rely more heavily on Joao Gomes in midfield, maintaining balance in their 3-4-2-1 formation. If Toti Gomes is unavailable, defensive reshuffling may be necessary, with Yerson Mosquera and Santiago Bueno likely to partner Ladislav Krejci at the back.

Tactically, Wolverhampton Wanderers may need to adopt a more conservative approach at Selhurst Park, given their lack of depth in key areas. These injuries could also influence betting markets, possibly shifting the odds further in favour of Crystal Palace.

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Key Players

Leading the line for Wolverhampton Wanderers is top scorer Tolu Arokodare, who has scored twice this season. Arokodare’s physical presence and ability to hold up play make him a key figure in breaking down Crystal Palace’s defence. His contribution extends beyond goals, as his link-up play brings teammates into attacking moves.

In midfield, Joao Gomes and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde are expected to be influential. Gomes’ tenacity and ball-winning skills provide a solid base, while Bellegarde’s creativity is crucial for transitioning from defence to attack. Both players will be instrumental in controlling the tempo and supplying the forward line.

Defensively, Yerson Mosquera stands out for his aerial strength and tackling ability. His partnership with Santiago Bueno and Ladislav Krejci is vital for maintaining defensive solidity. The effectiveness of these players in thwarting Crystal Palace’s attacks and launching counter-attacks could be decisive.

Expected lineup for Wolverhampton Wanderers

• Goalkeeper: Jose Sa
• Defenders: Yerson Mosquera, Santiago Bueno, Ladislav Krejci
• Midfielders: Jackson Tchatchoua, Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, Mateus Mane, Hugo Bueno, Joao Gomes, Andre
• Forward: Adam Armstrong

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Tactics & Formation

Wolverhampton Wanderers Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Adam Armstrong
• Midfield Dynamics: Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Mateus Mane
• Defensive Structure: Three at the back with Jose Sa in goal
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wing-backs for width and transitional play.

Wolverhampton Wanderers line up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, focusing on a compact defensive structure while using wing-backs Jackson Tchatchoua and Hugo Bueno to provide width. This system allows for quick transitions from defence to attack, with Adam Armstrong leading the line.

At the back, the trio of Yerson Mosquera, Santiago Bueno, and Ladislav Krejci aim to provide solidity, with Jose Sa a reliable presence in goal. The absence of Toti Gomes could test their defensive depth and ability to keep clean sheets.

Offensively, Wolverhampton rely on Jean-Ricner Bellegarde and Mateus Mane in midfield to control the tempo and supply the forwards. The team has shown mixed results recently, struggling to convert chances, as seen in their recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal.

Crystal Palace vs Wolverhampton Wanderers: Head-to-Head Record

Crystal Palace and Wolverhampton Wanderers have met 36 times, with Palace leading the head-to-head with 17 wins to Wolves’ 13, and 6 draws. Their most recent meeting saw Crystal Palace win 2-0 away at Molineux in the Premier League.

The last time these sides met at Selhurst Park, Palace recorded a 4-2 victory in May 2025, continuing their strong home record against Wolves. Palace’s dominance at home in the Premier League could be a key factor in this upcoming fixture.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Wolverhampton Wanderers	Crystal Palace	0 – 2	Premier League	2025-11-22
Crystal Palace	Wolverhampton Wanderers	4 – 2	Premier League	2025-05-20
Wolverhampton Wanderers	Crystal Palace	2 – 2	Premier League	2024-11-02
Crystal Palace	Wolverhampton Wanderers	3 – 1	Club Friendlies	2024-08-01
Wolverhampton Wanderers	Crystal Palace	1 – 3	Premier League	2024-05-11