Prediction: Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace

Verdict: Crystal Palace double chance

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

Two sides who have their sights set on clinching a top-half finish this season, Steven Gerrard’s side will welcome Crystal Palace to Villa Park on Sunday afternoon.

Aston Villa

Starting with the hosts, while Aston Villa might have put in a rugged display against title-chasers Liverpool earlier in the week, Steven Gerrard failed to get one over on his former club. Eventually getting hit with a 2-1 defeat at Villa Park, the former Rangers boss also saw his side’s three-match unbeaten run come to an abrupt end. Still sat outside the top-half of the Premier League table, it is fair to say that Gerrard has failed to find much stability since arriving in the midlands. Despite picking up much-needed back-to-back victories wins against the relegation duo of Burnley and Norwich over recent weeks, they’re the only two Premier League victories that Villa have collected from their last eight attempts. However, despite hoping to sign off the 2021/22 campaign with a flurry, fans around Villa Park will be worried about their side’s recent issues on home soil. Including a 4-0 drumming at the hands of Tottenham last month, Sunday’s hosts have won just a pair of their last nine matchups in front of their own supporters.

Team News

With it announced earlier in the week that Philippe Coutinho has made his move from Barcelona a permanent one, the Brazilian star will be hoping for a recall to Gerrard’s starting XI here.

However, Villa look set to once again be without the likes of Kortney Hause, Jacob Ramsey and Leon Bailey this weekend.

Crystal Palace

As for the visitors, while Crystal Palace might also open this weekend’s fixtures sat outside the top-half of the table, the Eagles have gained plenty of plaudits under Patrick Vieira this season. Undergoing what has been a real squad overhaul at Selhurst Park, the one-time Arsenal skipper has also seen his side bounce back from their brief April blip. Last seen picking up a 1-0 victory against Watford on home soil, the south London outfit have taken seven points from their last three Premier League outings. With their sights set on clinching their own top-half finish this season, Palace will be calling on attacking talisman Wilfried Zaha to spearhead their charge at Villa Park. Converting from the spot against the Hornets last time out and bagging back-to-back strikes, the Ivory Coast international has also racked up nine goals in his last 13 domestic appearances. Despite getting hit with a 2-1 loss when they welcomed Villa to Selhurst Park earlier in the season, they could be smelling a chance on Sunday afternoon.

Team News

Despite picking up a knock against Watford last week, Crystal Palace are hopeful that defender Marc Guehi will be able to feature here.

However, missing out against the Hornets last time out, number one keeper Vicente Guaita is not expected to make his return on Sunday afternoon.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off at Selhurst Park for their reverse meeting on November 27th, Aston Villa picked up a 2-1 victory.
• However, Sunday’s hosts have managed to win just a pair of their previous nine matchups at Villa Park.
• Crystal Palace have lost just a pair of their last 10 Premier League matchups.
• Each of the last three meetings between Sunday’s opponents have finished with over 2.5 goals.
• Wilfried Zaha has scored nine goals in his last 13 domestic appearances.

Conclusion

While Aston Villa might have put in a gritty display against Liverpool earlier in the week, Gerrard’s men could face another stern test here. Knowing that Sunday’s guests could leapfrog them in the Premier League table this weekend, Crystal Palace might be smelling a chance on the road. Last seen picking up a 1-0 victory that confirmed Watford’s relegation, the Eagles have continued to impress under another former midfield icon. With Vieira’s men now managing to muster seven points from their last three Premier League contests, the Londoners have also lost just a pair of their last 10 top-flight fixtures. With their sights set on clinching a top-half finish, an away double chance can be found at attractive odds here.

Verdict: Crystal Palace double chance

Best Odds: 4/5

Bookmaker: Unibet