Aston Villa – Crystal Palace Tips Free Betting Tips
Mid-table Aston Villa headed to Goodison Park last weekend fearing a fourth consecutive Premier League (PL) defeat for the first time this season. However, they fought back for an impressive 2-0 win over Everton, prompting manager Unai Emery to say he was particularly proud that his side “reacted very well” at times when under pressure.
They now return to Villa Park to host a Crystal Palace side against whom they have avoided defeat in each of their last five home meetings (G3, E2). They have also conceded just one goal during that run, which could bode well for a team that conceded more PL goals than any other during the month of February (11).
The visitors are just one place below Villa in the table, though there is some concern around Selhurst Park, as the Eagles remain the only PL side yet to taste a league win in 2023 (E5, P3). Despite that, they are still one point better off than they were after the same number of games last season, when they finished 12th, so fears of finding themselves in an imminent relegation battle are still premature.
The team’s coach, Patrick Vieira, is well aware that the team could still be dragged into a fight to stay in the top flight, so he will want to break a run of three straight draws with a win. The key to doing so could be starting games with more conviction, as Palace have not managed a first-half goal since New Year’s Eve, while only Southampton have opened the scoring fewer times than Palace’s seven at the start of this matchday.
Key Battle: After his goal at Goodison Park, a streaking Ollie Watkins became the first Villa player to score in five consecutive PL appearances. Palace defensive midfielder Cheick Doucouré, who has made the most interceptions in the PL this season (41), will look to keep him at bay.
Fast Fact: Prior to this matchday, only Bournemouth have conceded more goals from set pieces than Aston Villa (12).
OVER 2.5 GOALS Odds: 2.00
The odds presented in the prediction may vary at the time of verification.
