Crystal Palace welcome Aston Villa to Selhurst Park on Tuesday night in a game that has the potential to ultimately decide both clubs’ status in the Premier League.
Palace are only two points above the bottom three and have only managed to win three games this season, although their last home game produced a decisive and ultimately victorious performance against Liverpool. They managed to pick up a draw against Swansea at the weekend and will know they have the advantage against a Villa side who have been so poor.
Paul Lambert is having yet another difficult period in his turbulent tenure as manager of Aston Villa. His assistant Roy Keane announced he was leaving the club last week, his squad has injuries to key players and the fact that Villa haven’t won a game since September has left them, like Palace, just two points above the relegation zone. If there was ever a time to win, it would be in this match.
Team News
There’s no chance of a return for Adrian Mariappa in this game as he is still suffering with a ligament injury. Kevin Doyle is also out and there is no word yet as to when he will be able to return to action. This game will come just a little too early for Damien Delaney, who may be back in action next weekend.
Aston Villa are without the services of Ron Vlaar and Philippe Senderos who are both dealing with calf injuries. Nathan Baker and Libor Kozak are also out for a while with no return date as of yet. Fabian Delph is the only player remotely close to returning for Villa, as he may be fit in time for the Christmas fixtures.
Interesting Statistics
- Crystal Palace defeated Aston Villa 1-0 when the sides last met at Selhurst Park.
- Palace could move up to 12th in the league if they win and other results go their way.
- Aston Villa have gone nine league games without winning.
- They have not beat Palace in the league since 1998.
Key Players
Crystal Palace – Mile Jedinak
Jedinak has appeared in all but one of Palace’s league games this season and has been consistently considered as one of their best players. The Australian midfielder has scored five goals of his own this season from just 10 attempts at goal. According to Squawka.com, eight of these were on target. He has not been able to make the biggest of contributions in terms of creativity having created just four chances for his team-mates. One of these did result in an assist, however. He has completed 304 passes in the league so far, meaning he has a passing accuracy of 70%. When you look at Jedinak’s effort in defence, his statistics look impressive. On average, he is involved in eight defensive actions a game and so far this season, he has not been responsible for any defensive errors. He has the ability to control the midfield on Tuesday night and Villa will have to be wary of that.
Aston Villa – Andreas Weimann
It is fair to say that Weimann has been the best of a bad bunch at Aston Villa this season. He is often the only positive aspect of a team that seems to produce new lines of negativity every week. He has played in all 13 of Villa’s league games this season and his three goals make him just one of three scorers at the club. He has attempted 14 shots at goal and according to Squawka.com, he has managed to get eight of these on target. The Villa forward has managed to create 11 chances for his team-mates and two of these have resulted in assists. He has attempted 271 passes in the league and 77% of these have found their intended target. Weimann has not been so successful in his duels however, winning just 42% of them. Villa have been largely hopeless in recent weeks but Weimann still has the potential to upset the odds and get something from this game against Palace for his club.
Prediction
Both clubs have found it difficult at times this season, Villa more so. It is for this reason that I think, with the added benefit of home advantage, Crystal Palace will put their issues to one side and beat Aston Villa 1-0.
