Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa tips and predictions: Can Villa edge closer to ending their trophy hoodoo?

Crystal Palace state of play 

This match is part of a huge four-fold of action in our weekly acca this weekend, Palace may only have one win in their last six following a 2-2 draw at Arsenal on Wednesday, but the Eagles’ potent attacking threat was on full show in the capital. 

Buoyed by goals from Eberechi Eze and Jean Philippe-Mateta, Palace mustered a mighty 2.10 xG against the second best team in the Premier League. 

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Still, leakiness at the back remains a concern for manager Oliver Glasner. Palace have now picked up just one clean sheet in their last six. The Arsenal game also made it three games  out of four in which they conceded two or more goals.

Aston Villa state of play 

Aston Villa head into Saturday evening wounded following a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in midweek, but victory at Wembley will be the perfect remedy for Unai Emery.

The recent form of Villa has also been encouraging overall, despite that result at the Etihad. 

The Midlands club have won 10 of their last 12 games in all competitions and have scored at least once in each of their previous 17 outings. 

In fact, three of their last four games have seen Villa net at least three goals, an ominous read for a Palace side which has made a habit of conceding in recent times. 

Key talking point: Marcus Rashford can play a starring role for Aston Villa

Villa Park looks to have provided much needed respite for Marcus Rashford following his struggles at parent club Manchester United. 

The Englishman netted Villa’s only goal at the Etihad stadium from the penalty spot, taking his total goal tally to four since relocating south. 

Add in the six assists he’s already mustered in claret and blue, and Rashford has totalled a respectable 10 goal contributions in 17 appearances for Villa so far. 

Three of those came in the previous round of the FA Cup, where he scored twice and assisted once against Preston North End in a 3-0 win.

Given Palace’s defensive woes, another rampant Rashford performance will significantly boost Villa’s prospects of reaching a first FA Cup final since 2015.

FIRST’s top tip for Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa 

Aston Villa to win - 5/4 (Ladbrokes)

Extra tips

Seven of Villa’s last nine have seen them score at least twice, so backing them to do so again versus this leaky Palace defence looks an astute bet.

Aston Villa over 1.5+ goals - 6/5 (Coral)

The Palace defender has been booked in two of his last three games and will have his hands full again versus Villa’s tricky attacking options.

Daniel Munoz to be shown a card - 8/5 (Ladbrokes)

Team news 

Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure remains sidelined with a knee injury, though full-back Ben Chilwell could return to the squad after sitting out the Arsenal game through illness. Defender Chris Richards is also available again following suspension.

Villa boss Unai Emery looks set to have a full squad to choose from once again ahead of a crucial clash in the capital.

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa predicted line-ups

Crystal Palace: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Mateta (3-4-2-1)

Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Rogers, Tielemans, Ramsey; Rashford (4-2-3-1)

Form guide (all competitions)

Crystal Palace: DDLLWDWWWW

Aston Villa: LWWWLWWWWW

Odds correct at the time of writing.