Crystal Palace will host Aston Villa at Selhurst Park this Saturday, and both teams will be optimistic about their chances of victory after winning their previous Premier League games.
Palace had a fantastic result at Old Trafford when they defeated Manchester United 2-1, thanks to a late goal, while Aston Villa won their first game since returning to the Premier League with their win against Everton.
In what is set to be an exciting match between the two teams, let’s take a look at 3 key battles in the game:
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa: 3 Key Battles
Wilfried Zaha vs Tyrone Mings
Wilfried Zaha had a stellar game last time around against Manchester United, tormenting the Red Devils’ defence on more than one occasion.
Although Palace were set up defensively in that game, they looked deadly on the counter, thanks mainly to the pace and dribbling ability of Zaha.
The Ivory Coast international has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, which could mean that his game against Villa could be his last one in a Crystal Palace jersey.
Zaha will be up against Tyrone Mings (if he’s played as a striker), who has been a rock at the heart of the Villa defence this season. Mings is good in the air, is a leader at the back, and is also a very good passer. It will be an interesting duel to watch between Zaha and Mings this Saturday.
James McArthur vs Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish has been good in spurts for Villa in midfield this season, and has been outperformed by his midfielder partner John McGinn. Grealish has the talent, determination, and the technical ability to unlock defences with his dribbling ability and intelligence, and it’s only a matter of time before he shows everyone that he belongs in the Premier League.
The Villa captain will be closely marked by Palace’s James McArthur, who is good defensively and can ruffle opposition midfielder’s feathers with his aggression and tackling.
McArthur will be given the duty of tracking Grealish, and not allowing him time and space to run at his defenders.
Jota vs Patrick van Aanholt
Jota and Patrick van Aanholt both had very good games last time around, with the former threading a beautiful through ball for a goal, while the latter scoring a decisive goal in the dying minutes at Old Trafford.
The Villa winger is a clever player who has the vision to unlock defences and dribble, while van Aanholt also likes to attack but is good defensively as well.
