Crystal Palace welcome Aston Villa to Selhurst Park on Wednesday night, with both sides heading into the clash in contrasting form in the English Premier League.
Palace return to South London looking for a response after a 2-0 defeat away to Newcastle United, a result that extended a worrying winless run across all competitions. Villa, meanwhile, arrive with Champions League qualification firmly in their sights after another strong week under Unai Emery.
The Eagles have struggled to regain momentum since a productive spell in December, and fixture congestion has taken its toll. They have taken just one point from their opening two league matches of 2026, leaving Oliver Glasner’s side sitting in the bottom half and still searching for consistency at home.
Selhurst Park has offered little comfort this season, with Palace picking up only two Premier League home wins so far. That record has played a major role in their slide down the table, despite Jean-Philippe Mateta leading the scoring charts for the club and January signing Brennan Johnson adding pace and directness in attack.
Villa continue to look far more settled. Their long winning streak was halted by Arsenal late in 2025, but they responded well with a convincing 3-1 victory over Nottingham Forest. Ollie Watkins has rediscovered his scoring touch, while Villa’s midfield balance has helped them keep pace with the league’s top sides.
Recent history also favours the visitors, with Palace failing to beat Villa in their last six meetings, a run that has become a mental hurdle for the Midlands club to overcome.
What are the best bets for Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa?
Aston Villa to win
Villa’s recent form and Palace’s ongoing home struggles point towards the visitors having the edge, even if the contest remains tight.
Over 2.5 goals
Villa’s matches have regularly produced goals, and Palace’s defensive issues suggest chances at both ends.
Ollie Watkins to score
Watkins has found rhythm again and remains Villa’s most reliable goal threat in big away fixtures.
Where can I watch Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa?
US viewers can watch Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa live on Peacock at 14:30 EST, while UK coverage is available on Sky Sports+ with a 19:30 GMT kick-off.
| Country | Channel | Kick-off |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Sky Sports+ | 19:30 GMT |
| US | Peacock | 14:30 EST |
What is Crystal Palace’s current form?
L-L-L-D-L
What is Aston Villa’s current form?
W-W-W-L-W
What were the results of the last five head-to-head meetings between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa?
31/08/25 – Aston Villa 0–3 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
26/04/25 – Crystal Palace 3–0 Aston Villa (FA Cup)
25/02/25 – Crystal Palace 4–1 Aston Villa (Premier League)
23/11/24 – Aston Villa 2–2 Crystal Palace (Premier League)
30/10/24 – Aston Villa 1–2 Crystal Palace (EFL Cup)
What are Crystal Palace’s predicted team?
Henderson – Canvot, Lacroix, Guehi – Rodney, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell – Johnson, Pino – Mateta
Injured: Clyne
Doubt: Lerma (concussion)
What are Aston Villa’s predicted team?
Martinez – Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen – Kamara, Tielemans – McGinn, Rogers, Buendia – Watkins
Injured: Onana, Barkley
Doubt: Pau Torres, Mings
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