Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Wednesday, 7 January

Crystal Palace will host Aston Villa in a Premier League clash at Selhurst Park on Wednesday, 7 January. This match is set to be a crucial encounter as both teams aim to secure vital points in their league campaigns. Crystal Palace, playing at home, will look to capitalise on familiar surroundings to gain an advantage over Aston Villa.

Aston Villa, meanwhile, will be eager to overcome the challenge posed by Crystal Palace and improve their standing in the Premier League. Selhurst Park is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, which could play a significant role in the outcome of the match. With both teams having much at stake, this fixture promises to be an intriguing contest for fans and bettors alike.

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Crystal Palace -1.00 (Asian Handicap)	5.75

Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have both shown strong form recently, but Crystal Palace hold the edge, especially when playing at home. Given Crystal Palace’s historical performance and their attacking style, backing Crystal Palace to win in regular time is a solid choice.

• Crystal Palace defeated Aston Villa 4-1 the last time they met at home, showcasing their capability to dominate.
• Aston Villa have conceded in their last 10 matches, indicating defensive vulnerabilities that Crystal Palace can exploit.
• Crystal Palace’s scoring surges in the 31-45 and 61-75 minute intervals could be crucial in securing a win.

Betting Odds

Crystal Palace are playing host to Aston Villa, and the betting odds suggest a closely contested affair. Aston Villa are slight favourites with odds of 2.35, reflecting the bookmakers’ confidence in their recent form. However, Crystal Palace at 3.03 presents a tempting option for those backing the home side to secure a victory.

Betting Tip	Odds
Crystal Palace to win	3.03
Draw	3.32
Aston Villa to win	2.35

The draw is priced at 3.32, which could appeal to those expecting a stalemate at Selhurst Park. With both teams showing attacking promise, punters might also consider the over 2.5 goals market, which could offer value given the potential for goals in this Premier League clash.

Crystal Palace Analysis & Past Performance

Crystal Palace’s recent form has been concerning, with a winless streak extending over their last five matches. The team has recorded four losses and a solitary draw, highlighting struggles in both attacking and defensive departments. A recent 0-2 defeat to Newcastle epitomises their current challenges, as they managed just 41% possession and a lacklustre attack with 11 shots, none resulting in goals.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Newcastle	Crystal Palace	2 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026
Crystal Palace	Fulham	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	1 Jan 2026
Crystal Palace	Tottenham	0 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	28 Dec 2025
Arsenal	Crystal Palace	N/A	EFL Cup	23 Dec 2025
Leeds	Crystal Palace	4 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	20 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
In their last five league matches, Crystal Palace have averaged just 0.40 goals per game, while conceding an average of 2.20 goals. The absence of clean sheets in these fixtures adds to their woes, underscoring defensive vulnerabilities. Despite playing at Selhurst Park, their home advantage has not yielded victories, with three losses and two draws in their last five home games.

Key Tactical Insights:

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Jean-Philippe Mateta stands out as the top scorer with eight goals this season, yet the team’s overall scoring average of 1.10 goals per game across the season indicates a reliance on individual brilliance rather than a cohesive attacking strategy. Defensively, Crystal Palace have conceded 23 goals in 20 matches, showing room for improvement. Currently 14th in the league with 27 points, they need to address these issues to climb the standings.

Crystal Palace Suspensions & Injuries

Crystal Palace’s squad is facing a string of injuries that could significantly impact their upcoming match against Aston Villa. The absence of key players such as Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucouré due to a cruciate ligament injury and knee injury respectively is particularly concerning. Their roles are crucial for maintaining defensive stability and midfield control. With Doucouré out, Oliver Glasner may need to rely on Adam Wharton to step up in midfield, though his experience may not match Doucouré’s influence.

Daniel Muñoz and Rio Cardines are sidelined with knee and muscle injuries, respectively, and their return is not expected until mid-January. This leaves the defensive line somewhat vulnerable, with Jaydee Canvot needing to fill the gap left by Muñoz. Chris Richards’ doubtful status due to an ankle injury further complicates defensive options, although the presence of Maxence Lacroix and Marc Guéhi offers some reassurance.

In attack, Edward Nketiah’s strain injury could lead to increased responsibilities for Jean-Philippe Mateta up front. Daichi Kamada’s hamstring injury rules him out until late February, which may force a tactical shift to accommodate available forwards such as Brennan Johnson and Yeremy Pino, who need to provide creative support.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Chadi Riad	Cruciate ligament injury	Late January 2026
Cheick Doucouré	Knee injury	Mid January 2026
Caleb Kporha	Back injury	Mid January 2026
Daniel Muñoz	Knee injury	Mid January 2026
Daichi Kamada	Hamstring injury	Late February 2026
Rio Cardines	Muscle injury	Mid January 2026
Chris Richards	Ankle injury	Doubtful
Edward Nketiah	Strain injury	Mid January 2026

Crystal Palace Key Players

Crystal Palace’s attacking prowess largely hinges on their top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has netted 8 goals this season. Mateta’s physical presence and ability to find space in the box make him a constant threat to opposing defences. His role as the focal point in the attack allows Palace to maximise their offensive potential, especially when supported by wingers such as Brennan Johnson.

In midfield, Adam Wharton and Will Hughes provide a blend of creativity and stability, crucial for transitioning play from defence to attack. Wharton’s vision and passing range can unlock defences, while Hughes’ work rate and tactical awareness help maintain midfield control. Defensively, Marc Guéhi’s leadership and Maxence Lacroix’s tackling abilities are vital for keeping the backline organised and resilient.

Expected lineup for Crystal Palace

• Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
• Defence: Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guéhi, Jaydee Canvot
• Midfield: Adam Wharton, Tyrick Mitchell, Brennan Johnson, Yeremy Pino, Will Hughes, Kaden Rodney
• Forward: Jean-Philippe Mateta

These key players are expected to shape Crystal Palace’s tactical approach, with Mateta leading the line and the midfield duo ensuring a balanced game. Their strengths lie in quick transitions and solid defensive organisation, which could be defining factors in their performance against Aston Villa.

Crystal Palace Tactics and Formation

Crystal Palace Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Key Forward: Jean-Philippe Mateta
• Midfield Pivot: Adam Wharton and Will Hughes
• Defensive Strength: Struggles with clean sheets, conceding in all last five games
• Notable Strategy: Utilises wing-backs to provide width and support in both attack and defence.

Crystal Palace’s 3-4-2-1 formation under Oliver Glasner is designed to provide flexibility in both defence and attack. With Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guéhi, and Jaydee Canvot forming the back three, the team aims to maintain defensive solidity, although recent performances have seen them concede regularly.

In midfield, Adam Wharton and Will Hughes play pivotal roles in maintaining ball control and initiating attacks. The wing-backs, Tyrick Mitchell and Brennan Johnson, are crucial in providing width, supporting both offensive plays and defensive duties.

Offensively, the team relies on the prowess of Jean-Philippe Mateta, their top scorer, to convert chances. However, their recent match against Newcastle highlighted challenges in creating scoring opportunities, with Palace failing to find the net and managing only 41% possession.

Aston Villa Analysis & Past Performance

Aston Villa have demonstrated strong recent form, securing victories in four of their last five matches. This impressive run includes notable wins against Manchester United (2-1) and Chelsea (2-1), reflecting their ability to triumph against top-tier competition.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Aston Villa	Nottingham Forest	3 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	3 Jan 2026
Arsenal	Aston Villa	4 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	30 Dec 2025
Chelsea	Aston Villa	1 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025
Aston Villa	Manchester United	2 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	21 Dec 2025
West Ham	Aston Villa	2 – 3 (Win)	Premier League	14 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Offensively, Aston Villa have been prolific, averaging 2.20 goals per game over their last five fixtures, with a total of 11 goals scored. However, their defence remains a concern, having conceded an average of 1.80 goals per match, indicating potential vulnerabilities at the back.

In terms of away performance, Aston Villa have maintained an 80% win ratio in their last five away games, showcasing their capability to perform outside Villa Park. Despite their attacking prowess, they have failed to secure a clean sheet, underlining a need for improved defensive solidity.

Aston Villa currently stand 3rd in the Premier League with 42 points, emphasising their strong position in the league table. Ollie Watkins, the team’s top scorer with 7 goals, continues to be a crucial attacking asset, contributing significantly to their recent successes.

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Aston Villa Suspensions & Injuries

Aston Villa face significant challenges with several key players sidelined due to injuries. Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres, both suffering from short-term injuries, are crucial components of Villa’s defensive lineup. Their absence may force Unai Emery to rely on the less experienced Victor Lindelöf and Ian Maatsen to maintain defensive solidity. In midfield, the absence of Ross Barkley until early February limits creativity, although John McGinn and Youri Tielemans are expected to step up in his stead.

Player	Ban	Matches Remaining	Expected Return
Evann Guessand	National team	1	Unknown

The suspension of Evann Guessand further complicates Villa’s squad depth, especially with national team commitments keeping him out for another match. This absence, combined with the injuries, puts pressure on Villa’s available players to perform at their peak. Unai Emery may need to adjust his tactics, possibly opting for a more conservative approach to mitigate these losses.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Tyrone Mings	Hamstring Strain	A few days
Ross Barkley	Knee Injury	Early February 2026
Pau Francisco Torres	Calf Strain	A few days
Harvey Elliott	Illness	A few days
Amadou Onana	Hamstring Strain	A few days
Louie Barry	Knee Injury	Early February 2026

With Harvey Elliott and Amadou Onana also listed as unavailable, albeit for a short period, Aston Villa’s midfield options are further strained. The tactical impact is noticeable, as Emery may have to deploy a more defensive strategy to compensate for the missing creativity and physical presence in the middle of the park.

Aston Villa Key Players

Ollie Watkins stands out as Aston Villa’s top scorer with 7 goals this season. His clinical finishing and ability to exploit defensive weaknesses make him a constant threat in the attacking third. Watkins’ movement off the ball will be crucial in unsettling the Crystal Palace defence, and his link-up play with the midfield can create scoring opportunities.

In midfield, Youri Tielemans and John McGinn are pivotal. Tielemans’ vision and passing range can unlock defences, while McGinn’s energy and tenacity provide balance and drive. Defensively, Emiliano Martínez in goal provides a solid last line of defence, backed by the experienced Ezri Konsa and Victor Lindelöf, who are tasked with maintaining a strong defensive structure. Matty Cash’s overlapping runs from right-back add an additional attacking dimension.

Expected lineup for Aston Villa:

• Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
• Defenders: Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Victor Lindelöf, Ian Maatsen
• Midfielders: Boubacar Kamara, Youri Tielemans, John McGinn, Morgan Rogers, Emiliano Buendía
• Forward: Ollie Watkins

These key players not only influence Villa’s tactical approach by ensuring a balance between solid defence and attacking flair but also highlight the team’s strengths, such as quick transitions and robust midfield control. Watkins’ finishing, combined with Tielemans’ creativity and Martínez’s reliability, could prove decisive in this encounter.

Aston Villa Tactics and Formation

Aston Villa Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Ollie Watkins
• Midfield Pivot: Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans
• Defensive Strength: No clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Strong attacking play with frequent goals scored.

Aston Villa’s 4-2-3-1 formation under Unai Emery is designed to maximise their attacking potential while maintaining midfield control. The duo of Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans in midfield provides a solid balance of defensive cover and playmaking ability. John McGinn and Emiliano Buendía add creativity and flair, supporting Ollie Watkins, who has been prolific with seven goals this season.

Defensively, the backline of Matty Cash, Ezri Konsa, Victor Lindelöf, and Ian Maatsen has struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in each of their last five matches. The absence of key defenders such as Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres due to injury has necessitated tactical adjustments, with Lindelöf stepping up to stabilise the defence.

Offensively, Villa thrive in creating and converting chances, as evidenced by their 73% possession and three goals in their recent win against Nottingham Forest. Their pressing and quick transitions have been crucial in maintaining a high scoring rate, although defensively, they remain vulnerable, having conceded nine goals in five games.

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Head-to-Head Record

Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have faced off 26 times, with Palace leading the head-to-head record with 12 wins to Villa’s 9, alongside 5 draws. The last meeting saw Palace dominate with a 3-0 victory at Villa Park in the Premier League.

The last time these two met at Selhurst Park, Palace triumphed 4-1 in a Premier League clash. This venue has been a fortress for Palace against Villa, as they’ve consistently outperformed their visitors here.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Aston Villa	Crystal Palace	0 – 3	Premier League	2025-08-31
Crystal Palace	Aston Villa	3 – 0	FA Cup	2025-04-26
Crystal Palace	Aston Villa	4 – 1	Premier League	2025-02-25
Aston Villa	Crystal Palace	2 – 2	Premier League	2024-11-23
Aston Villa	Crystal Palace	1 – 2	EFL Cup	2024-10-30