Football Prediction | Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa | English Premier League | February 26 – Can Palace Keep Their Momentum against a Resilient Villa?

Premier League action continues as Crystal Palace hosts Aston Villa at Selhurst Park on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, at 12:30 PM (BDT) / 12:00 PM (INR). Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace will look to build on their recent form and claim crucial points at home as they push for a strong finish in the mid-table. Meanwhile, Unai Emery’s Aston Villa will be aiming to continue their positive run and challenge for a European spot this season.

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Form Guide

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace, managed by Patrick Vieira, has shown a solid defensive record this season, while their attack has been somewhat inconsistent. Players like Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr have provided the goals, but Palace’s inability to finish scoring chances has been a concern. They will look to dominate set pieces and capitalize on any counter-attacks against Villa.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, has been a much-improved side, especially in attack. Ollie Watkins continues to lead the charge, and with strong midfield options like John McGinn and Youri Tielemans, Villa’s fluid style of play has made them one of the more dangerous teams in the league. Villa’s ability to come back from losing positions will be crucial in this encounter.

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Key Battles

Jean-Philippe Mateta vs Ollie Watkins

Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta, with 11 goals, has been a key figure up front, using his strength and finishing ability to create chances. Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, with 12 goals, is a dynamic and versatile forward known for his pace and clinical finishing. Both players are crucial to their respective teams’ attacking strategies and will be key in converting chances when they arise in this high-stakes battle.

Ismaila Sarr vs Morgan Rogers

Crystal Palace’s Ismaila Sarr, with 7 goals and assists, offers pace and creativity, often using his flair to break down opposition defenses. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, with 10 goal contributions, brings trickery and an eye for key passes, supporting his team’s attack in a similar fashion. Their ability to create opportunities and provide service to their strikers will be pivotal in deciding the flow of the game. 

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Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Tactical Outlook

Crystal Palace will look to create scoring chances through their set-piece abilities and by stealing the ball from the opposition to launch counter-attacks. They rely heavily on taking shots and long balls, as well as attacking through the middle. Their strength lies in protecting a lead once they gain it, but their weaknesses in keeping possession and finishing scoring chances may limit their ability to dominate possession-based games. 

Aston Villa’s strength in attacking set pieces and coming back from losing positions will be crucial in matches where they need to show resilience. They will attack through the middle and make effective use of through balls to break down defenses. Villa’s wing play is another avenue they will exploit, providing width and variation to their attack. However, Villa’s defensive weakness in counter-attacks and aerial duels leaves them vulnerable to quick transitions and crosses into the box. 

Head-to-Head Encounters

The current head-to-head record for the teams is Crystal Palace 8 win(s), Aston Villa 7 win(s), and 3 draw(s). Crystal Palace has odds of 2.45 to win, 3.50 for a draw, and 2.75 for Aston Villa to win. The bookmakers predict a close match between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

Injury News and Suspensions

Crystal Palace

 Crystal Palace are currently dealing with several injury concerns, with key players sidelined for extended periods. Chadi Riad is out with a knee injury and is expected to return by early January 2026. Cheick Oumar Doucouré is also sidelined with a knee injury, with a possible return in early August 2025. Joel Ward, who has suffered a calf injury, is expected to be back by mid-March 2025.

Aston Villa

Aston Villa’s squad is also facing several injury setbacks. Amadou Onana is recovering from a hamstring injury, with a return expected by mid-March 2025. Boubacar Kamara is dealing with a muscle injury and is likely to return by early March 2025. Pau Torres is nursing a foot injury and is expected back by mid-March 2025. Ross Barkley, who has a calf injury, is expected to return in just a few days. Tyrone Mings is recovering from a knee injury and is anticipated to return by early April 2025. 

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Possible Playing Squad

Crystal Palace

Eze, Mateta, Sarr, Mitchell, Hughes, Lerma, Munoz, Guehi, Lacroix, Richards, Henderson (GK)

Aston Villa

Watkins, Ramsey, Asensio, Rogers, Tielemans, McGinn, Maatsen, Mings, Konsa, Cash, Martinez (GK)

Match Details at a Glance

Match Prediction

This match could likely end in a draw, with both teams playing strong tactical football. Aston Villa may find it challenging to break down Palace’s solid defense, while Palace will need to find a way to finish chances against Villa’s defense.

Score Prediction

A 2-2 draw seems the most probable result, with both teams scoring twice in an entertaining and competitive match.  

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Disclaimer: This Football prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.

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