Crystal Palace face a difficult test against Premier League title-chasers, Aston Villa.
Victory could lift Palace as high as eighth if results elsewhere go in their favour, whilst Villa can go second with a win if Manchester City fail to match their result as Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens host Brighton.
Team News
Nathaniel Clyne (adductor) and Jefferson Lerma (concussion) are both ruled out for Palace after they were forced off in the 2-0 loss at Newcastle.
Chris Richards (foot) is set to return but Eddie Nketiah (muscle), Cheick Doucoure, Chadi Riad, Daniel Munoz (all knee), Daichi Kamada (hamstring), Ismaila Sarr (international duty), Rio Cardines (adductor) and Caleb Kporha (back) remain absent.
Villa have no fresh injury concerns to report after their 3-1 victory at home to Nottingham Forest.
Pau Torres (knock) and Tyrone Mings (thigh) face late fitness checks, but Evann Guessand (international duty), Amadou Onana (hamstring) and Ross Barkley (knee) remain absent.
When is Kick-Off?
Palace host Villa at Selhurst Park on Wednesday 7 January at 7:30pm GMT, live on Sky Sports+ in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last four league meetings against Villa (W3, D1).
- Aston Villa have won just one of their last seven league visits to Palace (W1, L6).
- Each of Palace’s three recent wins over Villa were by three-goal margins, as they won 4-1 at home in February 2025 then 3-0 away in August 2025 in the top flight plus 3-0 in FA Cup semi-final in April 2025.
- Palace have failed to score in three of their last five league matches (D1, L4).
- Ollie Watkins has scored three goals in Villa’s last two visits to London-based opposition (W1, L1).
Prediction
With fatigue and injuries currently a big issue for Palace which showed in their weaker intensity in contrast to a more energetic Newcastle, they did well to lose by only two goals but they were wasteful in the accuracy of their own chances so a more composed display is needed here.
Villa on the other hand looked comfortable against Forest’s attack in terms of soaking up the pressure, but were equally clinical whenever they got on the attack troubling Forest’s shaky defence which will give them confidence coming into this game.
Palace though have been one of Villa’s hoodoo away trips in recent years but with their physical issues mounting up, this is a big opportunity for Villa and I fancy them to take full advantage on current form.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 0-2 Aston Villa