‘Nelson Semedo axed ahead of exit’ – Wolves predicted XI v Crystal Palace
Nelson Semedo could be sacrificed as Wolves prepare to face Crystal Palace in the penultimate game of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Football Insider understands that Wolves and Vitor Pereira are set for showdown talks after a brilliant first campaign in England, leading his side comfortably away from the relegation zone.
Despite winning six league matches on the bounce, Wolves have lost back-to-back games against Man City and Brighton, and must now face the high-flying Eagles at Selhurst Park on Tuesday, 20 May.
Jorgen Strand Larsen to return to Wolves XI at Selhurst Park
Tommy Doyle and Sam Johnstone look set to be the only absentees ahead of the game, and with Jorgen Strand Larsen coming off the bench in the last game, the striker should be set to start.
He would likely join Man United-linked star attacker Matheus Cunha and Marshall Munetsi in the final third, with a midfield of Andre and Joao Gomes supporting them from the middle of the park.
The goalkeeper and defence of Jose Sa, Toti Gomes, Emmanuel Agbadou, and Matt Doherty pick themselves, and so too does Rayan Ait-Nouri on the left flank, but Semedo might not be so lucky.
According to The Athletic (21 April), Semedo looks increasingly likely to leave Wolves on a free transfer this summer, and with 21-year-old Rodrigo Gomes ready to learn, it makes more sense for him to start.
The right-midfielder has impressed in recent weeks, learning rather quickly in the last two defeats, but taking his moment to shine after scoring in the 3-0 win over Leicester City before that.
Vitor Pereira to end 2024/25 campaign with a bang
Pereira will be far from pleased after two consecutive defeats, even if they were against Man City and Brighton, but the fixtures do not get any easier in the final two games.
Palace, who beat Man City to lift the FA Cup title at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, 17 May, could finish the season in the top half of the Premier League, but only if they can win both of their remaining games.
| Wolves’ last 5 fixtures |
| Wolves 0-2 Brighton |
| Man City 1-0 Wolves |
| Wolves 3-0 Leicester City |
| Man United 0-1 Wolves |
| Wolves 4-2 Tottenham |
The teams had to settle for a point each in the reverse meeting earlier this season, with Strand Larsen and Joao Gomes both on the scoresheet, but the Eagles were without Eberechi Eze.
The England international will be keen to add another goal to his record for the 2024/25 season, especially after scoring the only goal at Wembley, and Wolves will have already put a target on his back.