The Daily Star Lebanon Breaking News, Lebanon News, Middle East News & World News
Aston Villa return to Villa Park this weekend aiming to steady their early-season form as they host Crystal Palace in what promises to be a tight Premier League contest. Unai Emery’s side come into the clash on the back of a frustrating run—held to a 0-0 draw against Newcastle before narrowly losing 1-0 to Brentford. Despite these setbacks, Villa’s home record remains imposing, with the club unbeaten in their last 21 fixtures across all competitions at Villa Park.
Ollie Watkins continues to be the focal point of Villa’s attack, particularly on home soil, but Emery faces fresh challenges in team selection. With Emiliano Martínez serving a suspension and Morgan Rogers sidelined by an ankle injury, new goalkeeper Marco Bizot is expected to make his Premier League bow. In attack, youngster Evann Guessand could be given an opportunity to inject pace and unpredictability.
Palace’s Transition After Eze’s Departure
Crystal Palace arrive in Birmingham amid significant change, both on and off the pitch. The departure of Eberechi Eze to Arsenal has left manager Oliver Glasner with a major creative void to fill. To address this, Palace are pushing to complete a club-record signing of Yeremy Pino from Villarreal, while Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott remains another target.
On the pitch, Palace showed resilience in their recent 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest, but fan protests over missing out on European qualification overshadowed the match. Even so, there were bright sparks: Jean-Philippe Mateta continues to trouble defenders with his physical presence, while Ismaïla Sarr has added pace and directness on the wings. Glasner’s rotation options, however, remain limited, with Cheick Doucouré, Matheus França, and Eddie Nketiah still sidelined by injuries.
Tactical Battle: Possession vs Counterattack
Emery is expected to stick with his preferred 4-2-3-1 setup, tasking John McGinn and Youri Tielemans with dictating play in midfield. If transfer speculation doesn’t distract them, Malen and Jacob Ramsey will be tasked with stretching Palace’s defensive line, providing Watkins with service inside the box.
Palace, by contrast, may take a more pragmatic approach. Glasner has leaned on a 3-4-2-1 system, designed to absorb pressure and spring counters quickly. Sarr’s speed down the flanks and Mateta’s ability to hold up play will be key weapons against Villa’s high defensive line. Defensively, Marc Guehi will be central once again, with his duel against Watkins potentially deciding the rhythm of the match.
Prediction
Both sides are adjusting to key absences and navigating early-season turbulence, making this fixture one of fine margins. Villa’s outstanding home record and superior midfield balance should give them the edge, though Palace’s counter-attacking threat cannot be underestimated.
A lively but cautious encounter is likely, with moments of brilliance settling the outcome. Watkins looks the likeliest scorer for the home side, while Mateta poses the biggest threat for Palace. In the end, Villa’s depth and home advantage could tip the balance.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2–1 Crystal Palace
Expect a close battle where Villa edge it late, reaffirming their stronghold at Villa Park while Palace leave with positives but no points.
