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Aston Villa vs. Crystal Palace – Prediction, Team News, Lineups | Nov 23, 2024

Two sides desperate to reverse their fortunes meet at Villa Park on Saturday, as Aston Villa host Crystal Palace in a crucial Premier League clash. Both teams enter this encounter with plenty to prove following a difficult start to their respective campaigns.

Match Preview

Aston Villa: Back to Basics

Aston Villa’s Unai Emery finds himself in uncharted territory, suffering four consecutive defeats for the first time in his managerial career. The Villans’ slump began with an EFL Cup defeat to Crystal Palace and extended into the Premier League and Champions League. Their last league outing, a 2-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield, further highlighted the team’s struggles away from home.

Despite this dismal run, Villa remain in contention for a European spot, sitting ninth in the Premier League table. Only four points separate them from the top four, underscoring how one or two wins could revitalise their campaign. The Villa Park faithful will be pivotal in this recovery effort; the hosts have historically dominated Palace at home, losing just once in 12 Premier League encounters on their turf.

Key players, including Lucas Digne and John McGinn, will be essential. McGinn, buoyed by his recent international goals for Scotland, provides leadership and creativity, while Digne’s resurgence for France could be a valuable weapon.

Crystal Palace: Survival Mode

Crystal Palace’s struggles have left them mired in the relegation zone. The Eagles have just one win in 11 league games this season, and their inconsistency has raised questions about manager Oliver Glasner’s future. A promising run of three games unbeaten, including an EFL Cup win over Villa, was undone by a 2-0 defeat to Fulham before the international break.

Despite their lowly position, Palace have reason for optimism. Their recent performances against Villa — including a 5-0 drubbing on the final day of last season — suggest they can compete at this level. Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has proven particularly dangerous against Villa, and Glasner will hope he can replicate that form at Villa Park.

Palace’s biggest challenge lies in their away form, having won just four of their last 18 Premier League games on the road. Defensive frailties have also been a problem, as has their lack of goals, with the team scoring just eight times in 11 league matches.

Team News

Aston Villa

Villa’s injury list is growing, with Jacob Ramsey and Amadou Onana likely out. Defensive mainstays Pau Torres and Ezri Konsa returned early from international duty but could be fit. Captain John McGinn and Lucas Digne, fresh from impressive international performances, are expected to start, while Ollie Watkins leads the line.

Predicted Starting XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Barkley, Tielemans; Bailey, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins.

Crystal Palace

The Eagles will be without Daichi Kamada due to suspension, while Adam Wharton remains injured. However, they could welcome back Eberechi Eze, Jefferson Lerma, and Chadi Riad. Mateta is expected to spearhead the attack, supported by a midfield trying to find its rhythm.

Predicted Starting XI: Henderson; Chalobah, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Doucoure, Hughes, Mitchell; Sarr, Schlupp; Mateta.

Prediction and Betting Tips

Both sides are under immense pressure to perform, making this a potentially cagey affair. Villa’s home advantage and attacking options could give them the edge, especially with Palace’s away struggles.

  • Score Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Crystal Palace
  • Betting Tips:
    • Both Teams to Score: Yes
    • Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5
    • Hot Stat: Aston Villa have won 11 of their 12 home Premier League encounters against Crystal Palace.
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