Aston Villa’s start to the Premier League season has been far from ideal, with Unai Emery’s men still without a win or even a goal after two rounds Last weekend’s 1-0 loss to Brentford left frustration hanging over the squad, but Villa can take solace in their record at Villa Park,where they are unbeaten in 19 straight Premier League outings .
Softfootball understands that Emery will be demanding a response from his players, with the home crowd expected to lift the team as they aim to get their first three points on the board.
The last side to get a win at villa park was Crystal Palace in October 2024, a result that Villa will be desperate to avoid happening again. Another defeat for villa would mean going winless in their opening three Premier League games for the first time since 2012/13.
Aston Villa’s captain John McGinn could be crucial, with Villa winning in 14 of his last 15 scoring appearances. However, injuries are already piling up, as Boubacar Kamara limped off last weekend, leaving Emery to reconsider his options in midfield .
Confirmed Aston Villa XI to face Crsytal palace posted on the club’s official X handle;
Crystal Palace, meanwhile, arrive at villa park on a high after securing a historic European group-stage spot. Their victory over Norwegian side Fredrikstad booked their first-ever appearance in the Conference League main draw.
Palace have drawn both of their Premier League games so far part of a run that has seen them share the spoils in six of their last eight league matches . Softfootball understands that Oliver Glasner will want his side to balance their European commitments without losing ground in the league.
Recent history tilts in Palace’s favour, as they have won four of the last five meetings with Villa . Yet, their record at Villa Park tells a different story, with no wins in their last eight top-flight visits. Palace’s attack has leaned heavily on Jean-Philippe Mateta, who scored in the last league meeting between the sides, and with ten of his last 11 goals coming after half-time.
Mateta could once again be Palace’s late-game danger man after Eberechi Eze completed his move to arsenal for a club record fee. Questions remain, though, with Daichi Kamada still waiting for his Premier League debut and Palace ranking bottom for corners won this season ,a sign of their struggle to create sustained pressure.
Confirmed Crystal palace XI to face Aston Villa at Villa park posted via the club’s official X handle;
