Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa predictions for Saturday’s Premier League fixture at Selhurst Park. Two Premier League midfield legends are in opposing dugouts as Patrick Vieira’s Palace take on Steven Gerrard’s Villa. Read on for our free predictions and betting tips.
? & ?#CPFC pic.twitter.com/13A0jSGKeF
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC)
Draw specialists Palace
Drawing seven out of 12 games overall in the Premier League, Palace are the draw specialists so far. The last six of these have been score draws including last week’s 3-3 thriller against Burnley.
Palace have not failed to score in a match since their last league defeat away to Liverpool in mid-September.
Christian Benteke scored two against Burnley which should surely see him retain his place in a Palace front three which has had changes in each of their last six matches.
? & ?#CPFC pic.twitter.com/13A0jSGKeF
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC)
Perfect start for Gerrard
Steven Gerrard’s Premier League managerial debut got off to the perfect start with a 2-0 win over Brighton last Saturday. Villa created more chances but were dominated in the possession battle (Villa 37%, Brighton 63%).
Earning time on the ball won’t get any easier against old foe Patrick Vieira’s Palace, who have had 60% possession in their last two games, scoring five goals in the process.
However, Gerrard would have been pleased that clinical finisher Danny Ings returned from injury lasting 65 minutes against Brighton, and that Ollie Watkins hit the back of the net for his second goal in his last three matches.
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa predictions
As mentioned earlier, Villa tend to do most of their scoring in the second half of games, this is also the case with Palace as 13 of their 18 goals so far have come in the second half. Based on this, we recommend backing both teams to score in the second half.
Villa got the win in Gerrard’s first game against a Brighton side with no wins in their last eight, who despite winning the possession battle by some distance couldn’t create anything meaningful.
Palace should be more clinical in front of goal than Brighton, however, we believe Villa can also score goals against a side that allowed three in their last match.
Palace have drawn five of their last seven matches and we believe the draw cannot be ignored. We also believe that both teams will score, we recommend backing the draw and both teams to score.
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa team news
Crystal Palace team news
James McArthur remains out for Palace.
Christian Benteke should retain his place alongside Wilfried Zaha after scoring two goals last time. It remains to be seen whether Jordan Ayew keeps his place or whether Palace’s front three changes for the seventh straight game.
Aston Villa team news
Douglas Luiz could possibly return from his thigh injury which has seen him miss the last three matches.
Bertrand Traore and Trezeguet both remain out with thigh and knee injuries respectively.
Single: WonEnglish Premier League15:00/27 novCrystal Palace vs Aston VillaBet: Both teams to score in the second halfto:50% players believe that this bet will win!Single: LostEnglish Premier League15:00/27 novCrystal Palace vs Aston VillaBet: Both teams to score and match result a drawto:50% players believe that this bet will win!