Aston Villa will aim to arrest their recent slump and get back on track with their season as they host Crystal Palace at Villa Park.
Unai Emery will have thought a lot during the international break as to how he can improve the squad. After the disastrous result away at Anfield before the break, the Aston Villa boss must find ways to improve his side’s form away from home after two defeats already this season, although they face Crystal Palace at Villa Park.
Emery will worry about that for the upcoming week as Villa take trips to Poland and then to London to face Chelsea. For now, the manager will stay focused on the task at hand at Villa Park as Aston Villa host Crystal Palace here, with the chance of leapfrogging their rivals in the table.
Unai Emery: "For me, Villa Park, it’s always special to play there." 😍
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 15, 2023
Villa have a different kind of task in the next many games as they enter into the unfamiliar realm of European football. For now, Emery must find ways to rally his team to get good results, as their loss to Liverpool could have lasting effects on the upcoming games, including the one against Palace.
Roy Hodgson will have been mildly pleased with his side’s performance over four games this season. A win, loss and draw from their first three games may not have satisfied the manager. But the narrow victory over Wolves may have elevated the mood inside the dressing room.
Hodgson will now hope to build momentum based on that last result, and a good point or win at Villa Park would do them a world of good. What would concern the manager is their inconsistent form since the campaign began. But that could improve once Palace have all their required starting eleven players.
Palace does have some tricky fixtures ahead, including a London derby with Fulham next. Taking points away from home will feel important for Hodgson to improve, especially against sides that are strong like Villa. The manager will hope his team have the momentum and that he can outclass Emery in this encounter.
Team News & Tactics
Aston Villa
Unai Emery had no fresh injury concerns during the international break. Aston Villa did lose Diego Carlos late in the Liverpool game, and the Brazilian will not feature against Crystal Palace. Tim Iroegbunam also remains sidelined for this encounter, while there is some positive news on those yearning to return to the squad.
MD-1. 🔋 pic.twitter.com/fx4RSPavzp
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 15, 2023
Jacob Ramsey and Bertrand Traore are reportedly close to joining the main group in training, while Alex Moreno could put himself back into contention. For now, Lucas Digne has done little wrong to fear for his place, meaning the Frenchman should begin against Palace.
With Carlos unavailable, Ezri Konsa and Pau Torres should maintain their partnership in central defence, with Matty Cash and Digne acting as the full-backs. There has been a lot of chatter from Youri Tielemans saying he wants to play more regularly, and the manager might decide to give the Belgian a start in his midfield three.
Douglas Luiz should remain at the base of the midfield in place of Boubacar Kamara, with John McGinn also a part. In the attack, Emery should have his preferred front three of Leon Bailey, Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby for this clash.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; McGinn, Luiz, Tielemans; Diaby, Watkins, Bailey
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace were dealt a massive blow as Marc Guehi got replaced in England’s clash with Scotland at half-time. Roy Hodgson confirmed the centre-back will miss the trip to Villa, but the injury is not a serious one. So deadline day arrival, Rob Holding is best placed to replace the defender and have Joachim Andersen alongside.
"He’s likely to miss the game. It’s a problem that we think can be easily managed, or he isn’t unduly worried about, but it’s come too soon, unfortunately." 🗣
Roy Hodgson on the fitness of Marc Guéhi ℹ️ pic.twitter.com/ncGEl5QOGL
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 15, 2023
Matheus Franca and Michael Olise remain absent, and Hodgson mentioned the former could return in a couple of weeks. As for the Frenchman, the manager did not outline a specific return date, which suggests the injury is rather serious than first thought.
From the international break, it appears that Jefferson Lerma suffered a hamstring injury, and the extent of the damage remains unknown. Will Huges could replace the South American in the lineup and partner with Cheick Doucoure in that central midfield.
With Olise also absent from action, Jordan Ayew should continue on that right flank, which will let Hodgson keep the 4-2-3-1 shape. Jeffrey Schlupp will continue down the left-hand side of the attack, with Eberechi Eze keeping hold of the No.10 spot and Odsonne Edouard leading the line.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Johnstone; Ward, Holding, Andersen, Mitchell; Hughes, Doucoure; Ayew, Eze, Schlupp; Edouard
Key Stats
- There have been over 2.5 goals scored in Aston Villa’s last 5 games in the Premier League.
- Aston Villa have kept a clean sheet in five of their last six home matches against Crystal Palace in all competitions.
- Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last 11 home matches.
- Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last four away games.
- Crystal Palace have two victories and a draw in their last five trips to Villa Park.
Player to Watch
Moussa Diaby
Diaby had a fantastic start to life as an Aston Villa player and justified the hype around him. However, in the games after that, the Frenchman’s performances have dipped a bit but coincided with that of the entire team. Hence, he needs a solid display from somewhere to elevate the overall mood within him and the dressing room.
The clash against Palace represents different things, including an opportunity to shine as well as beat a difficult opponent. Hence, it is a great chance for Diaby to make a mark in front of the home crowd again, as a positive display could bring the mood of the whole team up.
Prediction
Aston Villa 2-1 Crystal Palace
The visitors are in a decent run of form since losing to Arsenal at Selhurst Park, but Villa have been unbeaten at home for the last 11 games. The latter stat is likely to improve with this clash, as Emery will target a powering win over their opponents.
Villa have more quality to call upon on the pitch, with Palace lacking some options due to injuries. Hence, as things stand, Villa are favourites to take three points away from this clash and leapfrog Palace in the standings, but things could change with a solid performance from the Eagles.
