Premier League: Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa Picks — Visitors Chase a Win to Close Gap on UCL Spots (Feb 25)

Aston Villa returned to winning ways in the Premier League on Saturday after claiming a hard-fought home success against Chelsea.

A second straight win for Unai Emery’s side will see them close the gap on the Champions League spots.

However, Crystal Palace have won three of their last five, and they could close the gap on the top half of the standings with a second straight win in the Premier League.

Odds

Palace Boast Excellent Home Record Against Villa

Crystal Palace boast a dominant home advantage against Aston Villa, having won five of the last six meetings between the sides at Selhurst Park. That includes a 5-0 win in this exact fixture last term. The previous clash between the sides this season ended in a 2-2 draw.

Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa Key Stats

• Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last four midweek matches in the Premier League, keeping clean sheets in each fixture.
• Aston Villa are winless on their last three trips to London, losing on two occasions across that period.

Crystal Palace Team News

Chadi Riad is closing in on a return to first-team action for the Eagles. However, Joel Ward and Cheick Doucoure both remain out due to respective injuries.

Possible Lineup

D. Henderson (GK); C. Richards, M. Lacroix, M. Guehi, D. Munoz, A. Wharton, J. Lerma, T. Mitchell, I. Sarr, E. Eze, J. Mateta

Aston Villa Team News

Emery will be without a trio of first-team stars this week. Amadou Onana, Boubacar Kamara, and Pau Torres are all unlikely to return until next month.

Possible Lineup

D. Martinez (GK); M. Cash, E. Konsa, T. Mings, L. Digne, J. McGinn, Y. Tielemans, M. Rogers, M. Asensio, M. Rashford, O. Watkins

Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa Prop Picks

Jean-Philippe Mateta has been a standout performer throughout the season for the Eagles this term, netting eleven goals in 26 appearances.

The striker’s physicality was a threat throughout the win against Fulham on Saturday. Mateta’s tally of goals has been achieved from an xG of 12.85 this term, and his scoring ability could ultimately be the difference on Tuesday against Aston Villa.

Crystal Palace vs. Aston Villa Picks

Palace would have gained huge confidence following a win at Fulham on Saturday.

Their record against Villa is very impressive, winning five of their last six home matches. Meanwhile, Villa have failed to win on their last three trips to London in the Premier League.