Aston Villa head to Selhurst Park to play Crystal Palace after victory against Everton on home turf. Let’s take a closer look at the upcoming encounter in this week’s match preview.
THE BUILD UP
After opening day defeat away to Bournemouth, a victory in their first home match of the season was essential for Aston Villa. Thanks to goals from No.9 Danny Ings and super-sub Emiliano Buendia, Steven Gerrard’s men were able to come away as 2-1 victors.
The Villans now head to the capital to play Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace. The Eagles have suffered a difficult start to the campaign, with games against top-four chasing Arsenal and last year’s runners-up Liverpool. The league opener against The Gunners ended in defeat, however the ever-tough contest at Anfield resulted in a draw.
The red and blues therefore head into Saturday’s game on a point, and eager to find their first triumph of the term. Meanwhile, Aston Villa aim for back to back victories in their search of a top-half finish this year.
Both sides have a mid-week fixture around the corner, and so we could see some changes to the sides this week. Aston Villa head up north to play League 1 outfit Bolton Wanderers, whilst Palace travel to the Kassam Stadium to play Oxford United.
All of the focus is on the upcoming game at Selhurst Park however, with a well-contested, tight affair on the cards. The Villans took four points from this week’s opponent last season, can they retrieve all six this time around?
A NEW CENTRE-BACK?
Whilst success against Everton last week was every bit brilliant for Villa, it came at the cost of a major, long-term injury. Summer recruit Diego Carlos suffered an Achilles tendon rupture as the game closed out, and looks to miss the next 7-9 months worth of action.
The Brazilian cost the club around Β£28 million at the start of the window, and was set to be a crucial part of the side throughout the season. With this injury, the team is a tad light in the defensive department, leaving just Tyrone Mings, Calum Chambers and Ezri Konsa as centre-half candidates.
So, it begs the question: do Aston Villa need to sign a new centre-back?
A big money move and the appointment as joint vice-captain meant there was a clear reliance upon Diego Carlos this campaign. Whilst there are leaders throughout the group, it is apparent that a drop in quality comes in his absence. Does a shrewd signing need to be made to ease the pain of this loss to the side?
Since last weekend, many names have been linked with a move to Aston Villa, and it appears as if a signing will come. Some of these names include former target Duje Δaleta-Car, Rob Holding and recently Chelsea’s Trevor Chalobah on a loan deal.
A BIT ON PALACE
Crystal Palace are a side on the up. Over the last few seasons, they have brought in a wealth of talent, and the culture around the club seems to be improving tremendously. The appointment of young manager Patrick Vieira was an exciting one for The Eagles, and the former Arsenal midfielder appears to be making a difference in South-London.
Bringing in the likes of Michael Olise from the EFL Championship, and poaching Joachim Andersen from a relegated Fulham symbolises top recruitment. Their academy is one of the best in the country, producing a whole host of talent over the years, including the latest prospect – Tyrick Mitchell.
Times ahead are exciting ones for the red and blues, as they look to build upon a respectable 12th place finish last season. The midfield signing of Cheick DoucourΓ© shows intent. The Malian man has been sought after by many teams over the years.
Star man Wilfried Zaha still remains at the club after nearly eight years of service. The talisman has endured season upon season of speculation, but has stayed loyal and still graces the turf of Selhurst Park with his raw talent and elegance. Whilst a fiery character, the 29 year-old is recognised as one of the league’s most tricky and outwitting individuals; getting the better of any top defender on his day.
Signing former Chelsea defender Marc GuΓ©hi has proved invaluable to The Eagles. The Β£21 million sum that Palace paid proves in better value with each performance.
Crystal Palace are clearly a club with a lot of potential and ambition, with dreams of breaking into Europe. There are foundations within the side that look promising, and has the club in good stead for years to come. Saturday’s game will be the only thing on the mind of Patrick Vieira right now however.
TO FINISH
Both teams head into the game off the back of positive results, and so confidence will be high on either side. Selhurst Park is known for it’s loud and exciting atmosphere, and the home crowd will no doubt be in full voice this weekend.
Steven Gerrard and his team were able to get the better of Crystal Palace in this fixture last season however. Goals from Matt Targett and a sublime John McGinn strike sealed the deal before a late Marc GuΓ©hi consolation effort.
Can the travelling Villans make it two wins on the trot in the league, or will Patrick Vieira inspire his side to their first three points of the season?
AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
Author’s UTV PODCAST archive liamayrtondavies – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
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