Jimenez anticipating a 'special' Molineux return

Raul Jimenez is expecting another difficult match as Crystal Palace arrive at Molineux off the back of an impressive December.

Victories over recent Premier League champions Leicester City and Manchester City saw spirits lift south London, but a draw with Cardiff City and a defeat to Chelsea have dampened expectations.

Wolves head back to Molineux after picking up four points on the travels to London last week, the first of those against Fulham on Boxing Day and Saturday’s memorable fight back against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley.

And although Nuno Espirito Santo's side have already been successful against Palace this season, claiming a 1-0 win away at Selhurst Park in October, the Mexican striker knows how unpredictable the Premier League can be.

On Crystal Palace

“You never know what’s going to happen in the Premier League. That’s a great thing, because anyone can beat anyone.

“Crystal Palace defeated Manchester City, so we know it’s going to be a difficult match. But all the matches in the Premier League are difficult, and Crystal Palace will be no exception.

“But we are back at our home and it’s the first match of the year, so it will be a special game for us. Molineux is very special because it’s always a full stadium. The fans are always giving us their support whether we are winning or losing, and that’s what makes us want more.

“I expect another full stadium, like always, and hope we can do our job and leave the pitch with three points.”

On his performances for Wolves

“It has been good. If I’m good, the team is OK. I like to create opportunities for my teammates – if I can create an assist, if I can score a goal, or if my movement can help my teammates score a goal, it’s good for me because I’m doing things well.

“I think I’m an important part here, but I want to give more. The fans want it and I think they deserve it. All of us want to give more and we want to start the year with a win and make it count.

“For the rest of the season we want to do a good job, play good matches, and be up in the table.”

On aims for second half of season

“We know that we are in a good position, but I think we always want more. For a team who has just come up from the Championship we have done well, but we want to be as high as we can be in the table.

“We know we have made some mistakes in the first half of the season, but we now have to see how we can improve on it.”

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