Prediction: Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
Prediction: Aston Villa to win 2-1
Best Odds: 15/2
Bookmaker: Zetbet
Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are set to face off in the Premier League this week. The encounter between Oliver Glasner’s squad and Unai Emery’s team will take place at Selhurst Park in London, with kickoff slated for 7:30pm UK time on Wednesday.
Crystal Palace
Last season, Crystal Palace claimed the FA Cup under the management of Oliver Glasner and were expected to make strides in the 2025-25 season. Although the Eagles were not projected to contend for a top-four finish in the Premier League, many anticipated a comfortable place within the top 10.
Nonetheless, Palace’s performance this season has been disappointing. Currently, the London club sits at 14th on the Premier League table, having accumulated 27 points across 20 matches, and they have failed to win any of their last five league encounters.
Manager Oliver Glasner will depart at the end of the season but has denied speculation regarding a potential move to Manchester United.
Glasner remarked: “I’m not allowed to bet. My contract has one paragraph (that says) I’m not allowed to bet. I don’t look at it.”
The Palace chief continued: “I also can’t give insider information because that would be a breach of my contract.
“I’m the manager of Crystal Palace. It’s pointless for you to ask more questions, so I prefer not to discuss any other club.
“You can win trophies and six months later not be the manager there anymore, so the length of a contract doesn’t guarantee anything about the future.”
Team News:
Crystal Palace is expected to set up in a 3-4-3 formation. Dean Henderson will don the gloves for the Eagles. The three defenders will consist of Jaydee Canvot, Maxence Lacroix, and Marc Guehi. In midfield, Kaden Rodney, Adam Wharton, Will Hughes, and Tyrick Mitchell will take the field. The three forwards will include Brennan Johnson, Yeremy Pino, and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa’s primary objective this season is to secure a spot in the Premier League and qualify for the UEFA Champions League, but Unai Emery’s squad is also in contention for the title.
The Villans are currently positioned third in the Premier League standings, holding 42 points from 20 matches. They share points with second-placed Manchester City and trail league leaders Arsenal by six points.
Emery shared his thoughts on Palace in anticipation of the match: “They’re a team you typically need to adjust to because their tactics are solid. They possess good players, good positioning, and we must adapt and compete against them.”
Team News:
Aston Villa is likely to employ a 4-2-3-1 formation against Crystal Palace. Emiliano Martinez will be in goal, supported by Matty Cash, Enzi Konsa, Victor Lindelof, and Ian Maatsen in defense. Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans will function as the two holding midfielders. Jadon Sancho, John McGinn, and Morgan Rogers will fill the roles of the three attacking midfielders. Ollie Watkins will spearhead the attack for Villa.
Key Factors to Consider
- Crystal Palace has drawn 3 and lost 2 of their recent matches across all competitions.
- Crystal Palace netted 5 goals in their last 5 games in all competitions.
- Aston Villa has achieved 4 wins from their last 5 matches in all competitions.
- Aston Villa has scored 33 goals in 20 Premier League matches this season.
- Crystal Palace has netted 22 goals while conceding 23 in 20 Premier League fixtures this season.
Conclusion
Though Crystal Palace is struggling with form at the moment, they will play at home for this Premier League fixture. While it’s expected that the Eagles will put forth a solid effort, it’s probable that Aston Villa will secure a narrow victory in this matchup.
Prediction: Aston Villa to win 2-1
Best Odds: 15/2
Bookmaker: Zetbet
Published: 2026-01-06 19:11:00
source: www.soccernews.com
