Premier League action returns as Aston Villa hosts Crystal Palace at Villa Park on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at 7:00 AM (GMT). With both teams looking to climb higher in the league standings, this clash promises an exciting display of football. Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, will aim to continue their solid form, while Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace seeks a crucial away victory.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace Form Guide
Aston Villa
Aston Villa has emerged as a dynamic team this season, leveraging their strengths on the wings and capitalizing on set-piece opportunities. Their attacking style emphasizes short passes, through balls, and a consistent starting eleven, with a notable resilience in recovering from losing positions. However, vulnerabilities in aerial duels, defending against long shots, and occasional individual errors have exposed them at times, particularly against aggressive opponents.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace has showcased defensive solidity and creativity in attack, excelling in set-pieces and protecting leads. Their approach often involves long-range shots and a flexible starting eleven. Despite their potential, challenges such as maintaining possession, defending through-ball attacks, and converting scoring chances have hindered their overall impact, making them susceptible to counterattacks and defensive lapses.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace Key Battles
Ollie Watkins vs Jean-Philippe Mateta
Watkins, Aston Villa’s top scorer with five goals, will look to exploit Crystal Palace’s defensive vulnerabilities. Mateta, with three goals, is Palace’s main threat up front, and his physical presence could trouble Villa’s backline.
Youri Tielemans vs Tyrick Mitchell
Tielemans, leading Villa in assists (3), will be a key playmaker in midfield. For Palace, Mitchell, with one assist, provides crucial width and defensive stability.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace Tactical Outlook
Unai Emery’s side will likely focus on attacking through the wings and capitalizing on set-pieces. Their tendency to play short passes and through balls can exploit Palace’s weak defense against such strategies.
Roy Hodgson’s men will aim to defend resolutely and rely on quick counterattacks and long balls. They may focus on attacking through the middle, but their struggles against through balls and finishing chances could hinder their performance.
Head-to-Head Encounters
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace have faced each other frequently, with Villa winning seven matches, Palace winning eight, and two ending in draws. Villa is the favorite for this encounter, with odds of 1.62 for a win, compared to 5.50 for a Palace victory and 3.90 for a draw.
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Injury News and Suspensions
Aston Villa
Aston Villa faces several injury concerns, with Ian Maatsen doubtful due to a knock and Jacob Ramsey sidelined for a few weeks with a hamstring issue. Amadou Onana’s return is anticipated in early December 2024 as he regains full fitness. These absences could affect their midfield depth and wing play.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace also deals with notable injuries, including Jefferson Lerma and Edward Nketiah, who are both doubtful with hamstring problems. Eberechi Eze is targeting an early December 2024 return from a hamstring injury, while Matheus Franca will remain unavailable until early January 2025 due to a broken rib. These setbacks may hinder their creativity and attacking options.
Possible Playing Squads
Aston Villa
Emiliano Martínez (GK), Cash, Carlos, Torres, Digne, Bailey, Barkley, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Watkins
Crystal Palace
Henderson (GK), Guehi, Lacroix, Chalobah, Schlupp, Doucouré, Hughes, Mitchell, Sarr, Mateta, Mateta
Match Details at a Glance
Match | Date | Time | Format | Venue |
---|---|---|---|---|
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace | Saturday, November 23, 2024 | 7:00 AM (GMT) | Premier League | Villa Park, Birmingham |
Match Prediction
Aston Villa’s home advantage and attacking depth make them favorites to secure all three points. Crystal Palace’s defensive organization may keep the scoreline respectable, but Villa’s firepower should prove too much.
Score Prediction
Aston Villa 2-0 Crystal Palace. Watkins is expected to be on the scoresheet, with Villa’s superior attacking prowess making the difference in this contest.
Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.