Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Preview

• Draw or Villa win
• Both teams to score

Crystal Palace head into this midweek clash against Aston Villa on a high after a commanding 2-0 victory over Fulham in their latest London derby.

That win propelled the Eagles to 13th place and kept their impressive recent form intact, having lost just two of their last 11 matches in all competitions (W7, D2).

However, Palace’s home form has been a major concern. Both of those recent defeats came at Selhurst Park, adding to their struggles at home this season.

Remarkably, they have accumulated twice as many points on the road (22) than they have on their own turf (11). Perhaps playing on a Tuesday will provide a boost, as they’ve won four of their last five midweek games on this day (L1).

Aston Villa, on the other hand, ended a five-match winless streak in the league (D4, L1) with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Chelsea at the weekend. That result reignited their push for European football, though their recent away form remains a worry.

Unai Emery’s side have lost six of their last eight away league matches (W1, D1), a trend they’ll need to overturn if they’re to stay in the hunt for a top-six finish.

One positive for Villa is their recent strong record against London opposition. They’ve lost just five of their last 26 Premier League games against teams from the capital (W15, D6), and they have plenty of experience playing midweek matches due to their European commitments. Encouragingly, they’ve won 16 of their last 20 Tuesday fixtures (L4).

Key Stats

• Crystal Palace have won just 11 points at home this season, compared to 22 away.
• Palace have won four of their last five games played on a Tuesday (L1).
• Aston Villa have lost six of their last eight away league matches (W1, D1).
• Villa have lost just five of their last 26 Premier League matches against London clubs (W15, D6).
• The last two H2Hs have produced at least three goals per game.

Crystal Palace: Can They Finally Impress at Home?

Despite their strong recent form, Crystal Palace have struggled to turn Selhurst Park into the fortress it once was.

Manager Oliver Glasner will hope their 2-0 win over Fulham last time out can help build some momentum, though their last two defeats at home suggest the Eagles remain vulnerable.

Why Palace Fans Can Be Hopeful

• Strong recent form: Seven wins in their last 11 matches (W7, D2, L2).
• Positive Tuesday record: Four wins in their last five Tuesday fixtures.
• Jean-Philippe Mateta has a strong record against Villa, including a hat-trick last season.

Recent Form (Last Five Matches in All Competitions)

• Premier League: Fulham 0-2 Crystal Palace – Win
• Premier League: Crystal Palace 1-2 Everton – Loss
• FA Cup: Crystal Palace 2-3 Leicester (AET) – Loss
• Premier League: West Ham 0-2 Crystal Palace – Win
• Premier League: Crystal Palace 1-0 Brentford – Win

Key Player: Jean-Philippe Mateta (Forward)

• Scored a hat-trick and provided an assist in this fixture last season.
• Has seven goal contributions (G4, A3) in his last five league matches against Aston Villa.
• In excellent form with multiple goal involvements in recent matches.

Aston Villa: Can They Build on Their Chelsea Win?

Villa’s comeback victory over Chelsea was crucial in reigniting their push for a European spot, but they’ll need to address their away form to sustain that momentum.

With just one win in their last eight away Premier League matches (W1, D1, L6), this will be a significant test of their credentials.

Why Villa Fans Can Be Hopeful

• Ended their five-game winless streak with a comeback win against Chelsea.
• Strong record against London clubs (W15, D6 in their last 26 games).
• Comfortable with midweek fixtures, winning 16 of their last 20 Tuesday matches.

Recent Form (Last Five Matches in All Competitions)

• Premier League: Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea – Win
• Premier League: Aston Villa 2-2 Liverpool – Draw
• Premier League: Crystal Palace 1-1 Ipswich – Draw
• FA Cup: Aston Villa 2-1 Tottenham – Win
• Premier League: Aston Villa 1-1 Brentford – Draw

Key Player: Marco Asensio (Midfielder)

• Scored a brace against Chelsea in the last match.
• Unbeaten in his last 35 club games in which he has scored (W33, D2).
• Brings valuable experience and goal-scoring ability in key moments.

Head-to-Head Record (Last Six Meetings in All Competitions)

Key Trends

• Aston Villa have won three of the last four H2Hs.
• The last two H2Hs at Selhurst Park have seen both teams score.
• Three of the last five meetings have produced over 2.5 goals.

Tactical Insights

Crystal Palace’s Approach

• Utilise Mateta’s physical presence and goal-scoring form.
• Defensive solidity and counter-attacking play against a vulnerable Villa defence.
• Take advantage of Villa’s inconsistent away record.

Aston Villa’s Approach

• Use Asensio and Watkins to exploit Palace’s leaky home defence.
• Focus on dominating midfield possession and pressing high.
• Target set-pieces against a Palace side that has struggled with aerial duels.

Match Prediction

Both teams are coming into this game with confidence after impressive weekend victories, but Aston Villa’s poor away form could be a decisive factor.

Palace have struggled at home but have a strong recent record in midweek fixtures, while Villa’s experience in Tuesday night matches and their solid performances against London sides could help them.

This looks set to be a closely contested game, and given the form of both sides, a high-scoring draw seems a likely outcome.

Final Score Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-2 Aston Villa

• Mateta to score early for Palace.
• Asensio to continue his fine form with a goal for Villa.
• Both teams to create chances but ultimately share the points.

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Crystal Palace v Aston Villa, 2024/25 | Premier League