Aston Villa are coming off an impressive 2-0 win at home against Everton. Many pundits are tipping the Toffees to finish well above the Lions. However, it was the home team that secured the spoils, coming out as comfortable winners.
Crystal Palace, on the other hand, are a team that many predicted will finish in the bottom third of the table come the end of the season. The Eagles, however, enjoyed a historic away win at Old Trafford against a strong Manchester United side, 2-1 last time out, and will be high on confidence heading into this fixture.
Ahead of the game, we take a look at what Aston Villa need to do to come away with the three points:
Crystal Palace vs Everton: 3 things the Lions should do to win
Stick with the winning XI
Dean Smith needs to start this important fixture with the same lineup that started the game against Everton. Conor Hourihane was dropped after the first game, while Elmohamady and El Ghazi were dropped after the second game. Consistency is important in the Premier League. Having a side that can build chemistry and morale together will yield better results compared to the rotation policy.
Hourihane enjoyed a splendid game mid week against Crewe Alexandra in the League Cup, scoring twice. Douglas Luiz should keep his place in the lineup as well. Additionally, Jota should hold his position on the wing ahead of Anwar El Ghazi.
Allowing time for the starting eleven to develop their chemistry, especially with a new look defence, is critical for a strong season.
We saw Fulham concede far too many goals last season, which could be linked with their frequent changes in defence and ‘keeper.
Shut down Zaha’s influence
Closing down Crystal Palace’s talisman is one aspect of the game plan Dean Smith will have to focus on. Wilfried Zaha is a player who, when given the time and space on the ball, can drive at the defence and cause problems.
Zaha demonstrated last weekend that he will be a big threat to defences in the Premier League. Assisting the Eagles’ opening goal against his former side, Manchester United, and helping set up the winner too, Zaha had a good game and will be raring to go again.
Right-back, Frédéric Guilbert will be the man who will track the Ivorian, and with help from Bjorn Engles and Tyrone Mings, he will need to keep the influential player at bay.
Zaha will be the main threat going forward, with Crystal Palace lacking other goal scoring options. Jordan Ayew (a former Villa player) has already found the back of the net this season — against Manchester United — but hasn’t flourished for a full season since he moved from Aston Villa in 2017. With Christian Benteke and Connor Wickham misfiring, the only other viable goal scoring option is likely to be winger Andros Townsend.
Target Crystal Palace on the transition
The game will be played between two teams who are normally content seeing less of the ball.
I am predicting both sides to have sustained periods of possession in this game, though. In front of their home fans, Roy Hodgson’s men will want to put on a show. They will be expecting to see their team flourish again after that impressive win against United last weekend.
Aston Villa will fancy their chances though, led by their spirited captain, Jack Grealish. Wesley will look to continue his scoring prowess, and direct runs from Jota, Trezeguet and El Ghazi will help Villa drive at the Palace defence.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2 – 2 Aston Villa
Predicted Goal Scorers – Palace: Zaha x2
Villa: Wesley and Grealish