Crystal Palace continue their search for a first win of the season as Patrick Vieira’s Eagles host Aston Villa at Selhurst Park.
Victory could lift Palace into the top half of the table, whereas Villa could climb as high as third with a win if results elsewhere swing in their favour.
Team News
Palace have no fresh injury concerns to report following Monday’s 1-1 draw at Liverpool as Wilfried Zaha looks set to again lead the line following a tactical tweak at Anfield.
Jack Butland (hand), James Tomkins (muscle), James McArthur (hip) and Nathan Ferguson (foot) remain absent.
Villa will be without defender, Diego Carlos after he ruptured his Achilles tendon during last weekend’s win over Everton.
Matty Cash and Philippe Coutinho are both considered doubtful due to cramp but Kortney Hause (ankle) is set to be in contention for the first time this season.
Stat Attack
- Crystal Palace have won just one of their last five meetings against Aston Villa (W1, D1, L3).
- Aston Villa have won two of their last five visits to Selhurst Park (W2, L3).
- Villa have scored first in each of their last five meetings against Palace.
- Six of Wilfried Zaha’s 15 goals under Patrick Vieira’s management have been scored in a central forward position.
- Only three players have played every minute of Villa’s opening two matches – Emiliano Martinez, Lucas Digne and John McGinn.
Prediction
Vieira’s experimental 5-4-1 formation at Liverpool was certainly brave yet a decision which paid off because they were able to frustrate the Reds’ powerful attack, although they will certainly be disappointed to have not held onto their lead but earned a point on pure merit.
It is therefore interesting to see how Vieira approaches this match tactically given that there will be more attacking opportunities than experienced at Anfield, so I hope that he goes for his usual 4-2-3-1 formation rather than go defensive against similar quality opposition.
Villa meanwhile were simply clinical in how they weathered constant pressure from Everton and finished their chances, whilst Emiliano Martinez was excellent in goal to frustrate the Toffees amidst a better defensive display.
This match though feels like one where tactics will be crucial and defence plus goalkeeping will definitely play a huge part, so I am going for a score draw in what could be a cagey but entertaining match.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-1 Aston Villa
Result: Crystal Palace 3-1 Aston Villa
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