Crystal Palace v Aston Villa predictions: Old favourite can haunt Villans

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Crystal Palace v Aston Villa in the Premier League on Saturday.

When to bet

3pm Saturday

Best bet

Christian Benteke to score at any time
1pt 11-5 bet365

Team news

Crystal Palace
Eberechi Eze is close to a return to fitness after training this week, while Nathan Ferguson also trained this week but may not be rushed back. James McArthur is the only confirmed absentee with a hamstring issue.

Aston Villa
Bertrand Traore and Trezeguet are still out, while Douglas Luiz and Morgan Sanson have recovered sufficiently to be a part of the travelling party.

Match preview

Steven Gerrard and Patrick Viera were midfield adversaries for much of the early noughties and now the pair face off for the first time as Premier League managers.

It could well be an eventful encounter. The side’s two games last season saw eight goals and there has been a red card in three of the last four meetings.

Aston Villa will be looking to improve on their poor away record this season having lost five of their six matches on the road.

Crystal Palace on the other hand are unbeaten in their last seven games and are yet to taste defeat in six home outings.

Given a consistent run in Viera’s side over recent weeks, Christian Benteke has come back into form and could haunt his former club.

The Belgian has scored five in his last five starts for club and country and has amassed the most expected goals for Palace despite starting just eight games.

Key stat

Aston Villa have lost five of their six away games this season.

Inside info

Crystal Palace

Penalty taker Wilfried Zaha/Luka Milivojevic
Free-kick wizard Conor Gallagher
Set-piece aerial threat Christian Benteke
Card magnet Joachim Andersen

Aston Villa

Penalty taker Danny Ings
Free-kick wizardEmi Buendia
Set-piece aerial threatTyrone Mings
Card magnetJohn McGinn

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