Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace Preview: Team News & Prediction
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INTRO STATEMENT BRIEFLY SUMMING UP THE CONTEXT OF THE MATCH
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – NBC.com
Aston Villa preview: Slow start for the Villains
Unai Emery will be frustrated with Aston Villa's start to this season, with the Villains having failed to score and they have collected just a solitary point from their opening two matches of the campaign, with the former Valencia boss having to find something new once again, with Villa veering into stagnation this season.
Their opening day goalless draw against Newcastle United at Villa Park could be viewed as a reasonable result, with Ezri Konsa sent off mid-way through the second-half. Last weekend, though, they suffered a lacklustre and surprise 1-0 defeat to a seemingly poor Brentford side at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Crystal Palace preview: Reason to be distracted
In midweek, Crystal Palace managed to edge themselves into the league phase of the UEFA Europa Conference League with a goalless draw in Norway against Fredrikstad, winning by a goal to nil on aggregate overall. The Eagles have had a very busy summer off the pitch, and it is about to get very busy on it.
They have already played five matches across all competitions, which included winning the Community Shield on penalties against Liverpool at Wembley Stadium. Palace have started steadily in the league with back-to-back draws against Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, with outgoing departures taking th headlines, too.
Aston Villa team news: Konsa returns
Aston Villa will be able to welcome back England international centre-back Ezri Konsa, after his aforementioned sending off against Newcastle meant he was missing through suspension last weekend.
Ross Barkley remains a doubt due to a lack of match fitness, whilst right-back Andres Garcia and defensive midfielder Boubacar Kamara are sidelined for the hosts.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Tielemans, Onana; Malen, Rogers, McGinn; Watkins
Unavailable: Garcia (Injured), Kamara (Injured)
Questionable: Barkley (Fitness)
Crystal Palace team news: Richards & Hughes doubts
One of those aforementioned departures hoggling the headlines, club captain Marc Guehi, isn't expected to disrupt their starting eleven, with the England international defender set to play in the second city if a deal hasn't been agreed.
Will Hughes is a doubt after missing out on the clash with Fredrikstad, but Daichi Kamada has returned to full fitness. Chris Richards is expected to be available after picking up a slight ankle injury against the Norwegians, too.
Predicted XI (3-4-3): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Lerma, Mitchell; Sarr, Mateta, Devenny
Unavailable: Riad (Injured), Kporha (Injured), Doucoure (Injured), Edouard (Injured), Nketiah (Injured)
Questionable: Richards (Injured), Hughes (Injured)
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace prediction
Aston Villa are the favourites for this one, especially with their home advantage. They have been unconvincing throughout their opening couple of matches, and fluency is required. However, up against a Crystal Palace side that may well already be feeling potential physical fatigue after midweek European excursions, siding with Villa would appear the best bet for this one.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace tip: Aston Villa to win
