Crystal Palace and Aston Villa face off on Saturday in the Premier League after both teams registered their first wins of the season against Manchester United and Everton, respectively. Both teams stood firm despite having very little of the ball and took their chances well to get three vital points.
The last time these two sides met at Selhurst Park in the Premier League was on August 22, 2015 when Palace beat Villa 2-1.
CRYSTAL PALACE vs ASTON VILLA: 5 PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Jota
Aston Villa spent huge money this summer transfer window, but one of the best bit of business they did this summer was to sign Jota from arch-rivals Birmingham City for just around £4 million. The Spanish wide player, who started in Villa’s win against Everton and assisted Wesley’s first goal, has impressed so far with his neat passing and vision, as well as his dribbling. He will be one player to watch out for after last week’s performance against the Toffees.
Wilfried Zaha
Palace’s win against Villa could perhaps be the last time Wilfried Zaha plays for the club, as French giants Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly very keen on signing him ahead of the September 2nd deadline. Zaha is the most important player for Palace as he showed last weekend against Manchester United, with his dribbling and pace. He could be a serious threat out wide and in front of goal when he takes to the field at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
John McGinn
John McGinn has had a great start to life in the Premier League and has taken forward the form he showed last season in the Championship. The midfielder has been called up to the Scottish national team after stellar performances in the opening three games of the Premier League, scoring one and assisting one. McGinn likes to get in between the opposition’s midfield and defence and cause havoc, which Palace have to be wary of.
Cheikhou Kouyaté
One Palace player who does not get the credit he deserves is midfielder Cheikhou Kouyaté, who has been excellent for the club since signing from West Ham United last season. The tall and strong midfielder is great in the air and likes to tackle and intercept balls; against Manchester United last weekend, he made 6 tackles – the most by any Palace player in the game, while also making three key blocks.
Tyrone Mings
The leader of the Aston Villa defence, Tyrone Mings has formed a great partnership at the back with new Aston Villa signing Björn Engels. Mings is a strong tackler, a defender who organises the defence and also builds play from the back with his short passing. Mings is comfortable and confident with the ball at his feet, while he is also good defensively – in the air or on the ground.
Neil Taylor deserves a shout. He’s rapidly becoming Villa’s mister reliable, making runs to support the attack and always doing the right thing up front.