Renowned former footballer Chris Sutton is optimistic about Wolverhampton Wanderers’ chances of securing their first victory of the season as they face Crystal Palace this weekend. Gary O’Neil’s team has faced challenges in the early stages of the campaign, languishing in 19th place with just two points from two draws and seven losses.
Their tough fixture list, including matches against top teams like Manchester City and Chelsea, may explain their struggle so far. Looking ahead, Wolves are set to play eight games in the next couple of months, all of which appear winnable. Sutton, predicting for the BBC, believes that Wolves could turn their luck around against Crystal Palace at Molineux:
“While winless, Wolves have shown promise, and perhaps Matheus Cunha’s recent equalizer against Brighton could spark a change in their fortunes. Although I doubt Wolves will be defeated, the real question is whether they can secure a victory.”
Sutton raises concerns about Wolves’ defensive vulnerabilities, especially with Palace likely to come in buoyed by their recent win against Tottenham. Despite a close contest expected, Sutton’s prediction leans towards Wolves finally clinching a win along with a clean sheet, with a scoreline reading 1-0 in favor of the home team.
In the previous Premier League season, Wolves finished 14th, comfortably avoiding relegation with 13 wins from 38 games. As they gear up to face teams such as Southampton and Everton, this upcoming stretch is crucial for O’Neil’s side to reverse their lackluster start. With their focus solely on league performance following their Cup exit in September, maintaining their top-flight status remains their top priority.