Villa Park plays host to a clash between Aston Villa and Crystal Palace, as both teams look to achieve their first win heading into the September international break.

Unai Emery’s side are yet to score a goal in this year’s Premier League campaign, drawing 0-0 to Newcastle and losing 1-0 to Brentford in their opening two fixtures.

It is no secret that Villa have struggled in the Summer transfer window so far, failing to replace the likes of Jhon Duran, Marco Asensio, Marcus Rashford, and Jacob Ramsey – all of whom have departed the club in the last seven months.

Failure to replace has left full responsibility on the shoulders of Ollie Watkins to produce the goods in front of goal, something he has struggled with in Villa’s recent matches.

Aside from investment, Emery needs other players to step up in their bid to resume their old offensive capabilities – something which will be once again tested against a sturdy Crystal Palace defence come Sunday night.

Under Oliver Glasner, Palace have actually had quite a successful start despite not winning an EPL game, gaining points against Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.

Similar to Villa, Palace have also not had a great Summer transfer window – albeit impacted by political issues. It was announced last Saturday that Eberechi Eze had departed the club to join Arsenal, something the club has yet to rectify.

With Marc Guehi yet to sign a new contract, he could well join Eze in departing the club before the window shuts, although all things point to the Englishman being available for this weekend’s match.

Glasner has built his foundations based upon a solid structure, something that he and his side will have to lean on as they enter the cauldron that is Villa Park.

Below, EPL Bets writer Ethan Pitts has highlighted three selections for this match, as he aims to land a tidy profit.

What are the best bets for Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa?

Ollie Watkins to have 1+ shots on target

Watkins has had three shots on target in his last two games against Crystal Palace at Villa Park.

In home games where the Englishman has played over 70 minutes, he has had a shot on target in his last 10.

Due to Villa’s recent struggles to acquire a striker in the market, it is expected that Watkins will at least play 75 minutes, if not the full match.

Both teams to score

In four out of the last five meetings at Villa Park, both teams have managed to score.

Villa averages two goals a game in front of their home faithful.

Palace have scored in 12 out of their last 14 matches away from home in all competitions.

Crystal Palace to have over 3+ shots on target

Palace went over this line in every away match last season. This line represents value, as although Palace are now without their talisman in Eberechi Eze, they still have enough quality to trouble Aston Villa offensively.

In their last three games against Villa, Palace have had the most shots on target in all of them.

Where can I watch Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace?

Brighton vs Manchester City will be live on Sky Sports and available to stream via its Sky Go service on Sunday, August 31, 2025.

Kick-off at Villa Park is at 19:00 (BST).

What is Aston Villa’s form?

L-D-W-L-W

What is Crystal Palace’s form?

D-W-D-W-L

What was the score when Aston Villa last played Crystal Palace?

Crystal Palace 3 – 0 Aston Villa

Who scored when Aston Villa last played Crystal Palace?

Eberechi Eze (31’), Ismaila Sarr (58’), (90+4)