First Premier League start for new signing as ‘powerhouse’ gets nod – Wolves predicted XI vs Crystal Palace

Predicting Wolverhampton Wanderers’ lineup away at Crystal Palace in the Premier League.

Wolves are in Premier League away action for the final time this season as they take on Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Tuesday night.

Vitor Pereira’s side travel to the capital to face the newly-crowned FA Cup champions. Palace saw off Manchester City by one goal to nil at Wembley Stadium to lift their first ever major silverware on Saturday. The Eagles, albeit perhaps a little worse for wear after their celebrations, will be eager to treat their supporters to another victory in their last home fixture.

The Old Gold, meanwhile, have been safe from the threat of relegation for many weeks now but that doesn’t mean they haven’t got anything to play for, as every position in the Premier League matters for prize money’s sake. Beating Palace on Tuesday would be enough to guarantee a 14th-placed finish or better, with a rise to 13th possible with two wins out of two.

With several million in prize money at stake, Pereira is unlikely to rotate too heavily. The Portuguese manager may be tempted to begin the adaptation process for new signing Nasser Djiga, however, with the central defender yet to start in the Premier League. With that in mind, here’s the XI we reckon will be named at Selhurst Park.

GK – Jose Sa: The goalkeeper has become the clear number one under Pereira, comfortably ahead of Sam Johnstone in the pecking order for league fixtures.

RWB – Nelson Semedo: The skipper is such a vital player for Wolves and he has been for quite some time. Wanderers will be desperate to get him tied down to a new contract.

CB – Nasser Djiga: As much as Matt Doherty has been in good form, winter signing Djiga needs to have some opportunities sooner rather than later to adapt. This could be his first Premier League start as a result.

CB – Emmanuel Agbadou: Already living up to his £16 million price tag, Agbadou has really sured up Wolves defensively. It’s truly amazing how much of a difference one signing done right can make.

CB – Toti Gomes: Pereira has got great faith in Toti as the left-sided centre-back in his system. The Portuguese is in his very best form at the moment.

LWB – Rayan Ait-Nouri: Enjoying a more advanced role as a wing-back, Ait-Nouri is a top threat. Just like with Semedo, Wolves are hoping to tie the Algerian down to a new long-term contract.

CM – Andre: Sitting deepest of Wolves’ midfield players, Andre is showing signs of the potential he was signed for. He’s finally finding some real consistency, too.

CM – Joao Gomes: Completing a Brazilian partnership in the middle of the park, Gomes looks so confident alongside Andre. This pair could really propel Wolves to new heights.

RAM – Marshall Munetsi: A proper powerhouse and a clear favourite of Pereira’s, Munetsi has been superb since signing in January. The Zimbawean works harder than most.

LAM – Matheus Cunha: Still in the XI despite his pending transfer away to Manchester United, Cunha has helped Wolves carry on their momentum. The Brazilian will want to end his Old Gold career on a high.

ST – Jorgen Strand Larsen: The Norwegian wasn’t quite ready to start last time out due to a groin strain but he’s since had more than enough time to recover. He should lead the line.