Tolu Arokodare and Christantus Uche showdown

Nigeria’s rising talents Tolu Arokodare and Christantus Uche will go head-to-head on Saturday, November 22, 2025, when struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers welcome mid-table Crystal Palace to Molineux Stadium in a crucial Premier League clash.

Arokodare Eyes Breakthrough Goal; Uche Chases Starting Spot

The 6ft 7in striker Arokodare, who joined Wolves from Fenerbahce in August 2025 for £20 million, has made seven appearances this season, including two starts, but is yet to score or assist in the top flight. With six shots on target and a rating of 6.18, he’ll be desperate to break his duck against the Eagles, especially as Wolves scramble for survival.

Meanwhile, Uche, the 21-year-old attacking midfielder signed from Colchester United in January 2025, has featured three times off the bench for Palace, logging just nine minutes without goals or assists (rating 6.86). He’s pushing for his first start under Oliver Glasner, who has favored Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr in midfield.

Wolves in Relegation Peril; Palace Riding Unbeaten Streak

Wolves, rooted to 20th place with six points from 11 games (zero wins, eight points from safety), are in dire straits under new manager Rob Edwards. The ex-player and Under-23s coach took over in October 2025 after Gary O’Neil’s sacking, but faces a baptism of fire. Wolves have lost nine of 11 league games, conceding 26 goals, and boast a dismal one win in nine Premier League meetings with Palace (W1 D3 L5).

Crystal Palace, sitting 11th on 15 points, enter on a three-game unbeaten run across competitions: a 3-0 EFL Cup thrashing of Liverpool on October 29, followed by 2-0 and 3-1 wins over Brentford and AZ Alkmaar in Europa League, plus a 0-0 draw with Brighton on November 9. Glasner’s side has won four of seven away games, scoring 12 goals.

Head-to-Head Edge: Palace’s Dominance

Palace hold a commanding record against Wolves, winning 57% of their 14 Premier League encounters (W8 D2 L4)—their best win rate versus any opponent faced 10+ times. The last meeting in April 2025 ended 2-1 to *Palace at Selhurst Park.

Predicted Lineups

Wolverhampton Wanderers (4-2-3-1): Johnstone; S. Bueno, Krejci, Toti, H. Bueno; J. Gomes, Andre; Munetsi, Bellegarde, Cunha; Arokodare

Crystal Palace (4-2-3-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell; Kamada, Wharton; Eze, Hughes, Sarr; Mateta

With Wolves desperate for points and Palace eyeing European consolidation, this Nigerian derby could prove pivotal. Kick-off: 3pm GMT.