After a historic win over Manchester United, Crystal Palace were brought back down to earth with a humiliating defeat to Colchester United in the Carabao Cup. They will be hoping to avenge their midweek defeat by taking three points from an Aston Villa side now high on confidence.
Crystal Palace Looking To Bounce Back With Win Over Aston Villa
Crystal Palace Team News
Manager Roy Hodgson could have a selection issue with the side he picks this weekend. Speaking to Robert Warlow of Football London following the clash with Colchester, he confirmed he was without three senior players. He said: “We had injuries to [Joel] Ward and [Jeffrey] Schlupp anyway, and we didn’t want to take a chance on them, with others still coming back.
“Jairo Riedewald, who is a central midfielder, had to play at left-back because neither Patrick van Aanholt or Joel Ward were available.”
As a result, changes are likely for Crystal Palace. Roy Hodgson will be hoping that one of Patrick van Aanholt or Jeffrey Schlupp will be available; otherwise he will be without a natural left-back.
Aston Villa Team News
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Aston Villa manager Dean Smith confirmed that the majority of his squad is available. However, he casted doubt over the availability of left-back Matt Targett, saying: “Matt Targett has a slight hamstring problem and James Chester is still out.”
As a result, it could mean only one or two changes for Aston Villa as they head to Crystal Palace. Neil Taylor will replace Matt Targett, should he be missing through injury.
Villa Need to Take Advantage of Crystal Palace’s Poor Home Form
It is no secret that Crystal Palace are not the best side at home. Only five of their 14 victories came at Selhurst Park last season, and it has been the same pattern of events since their return to the Premier League.
Dean Smith should look to capitalise on this. It offers the perfect chance for Villa to make it back-to-back Premier League victories for the first time since May 2015.
Crystal Palace v Aston Villa Prediction
Both sides will be hoping for a win heading into the international break. However, Aston Villa – buoyed with confidence from the 6-1 Carabao Cup victory, could join the list of away sides to beat Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
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