With four games of the Premier League season remaining, the relegation battle is reaching a pivotal point for Dean Smith’s side. Aston Villa host Crystal Palace at Villa Park, in a game of do or die for the Villans.
Relegation Battles Reaches Pivotal Point for Aston Villa as They Host Crystal Palace
Villa’s Situation
Villa are currently seven points behind Watford, who currently occupy 17th place in the Premier League.
A win against the visiting Eagles would see reach the 30 point mark, four points off of Watford with three games remaining.
It is a tough run-in for Dean Smith’s side, and as a result, a win against Crystal Palace is vital.
Following the visit of Roy Hodgson’s side, Villa then travel to Goodison Park to face Everton, before a final home game of the season against Arsenal. If they are still within a fighting chance of survival, they then travel to West Ham United on the final day.
A win against Palace would set up a decisive final three games for Villa, and they will not care how it comes.
Palace Need to Play With Freedom
Safety is now confirmed for Roy Hodgson’s side. With the shackles off, and playing against a struggling side in defence, Palace need to play with freedom at Villa Park.
Since the first game of the restart, playing with freedom is not something that they have done, however. Trips to Liverpool and Leicester City were greeted with defensively disciplined displays that ultimately shipped seven goals.
Their second half display against Chelsea was a more familiar and freeing display. The game opened up, and the Blues looked vulnerable in defence against Wilfried Zaha.
As a result, with nothing to play for, the Eagles should not be fearful in attack.
Team News
Roy Hodgson confirmed that defender Gary Cahill will miss the remainder of the season for the visitors. The veteran defender was substituted early on in their defeat to Chelsea after tearing his hamstring.
Dean Smith confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Matt Targett and Pepe Reina are both likely to be fit.
What to Expect?
There will be nerves aplenty in the home dressing room. They will be searching for the first goal from kick-off as they look to settle those nerves.
However, they are facing a defensively well-organised and resolute Crystal Palace. As Villa look to attack, gaps will be exposed with the pace that Palace are blessed with. The visitors will have to be clinical, but are likely to have enough strength to see them collect the three points.
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