19th May Premier League Preview: Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
Feelings are positive around the Aston Villa camp, who celebrated a top 4 finish with a party midweek. Going into the last game of the season, neither team have anything to play for, although Glasner will look to conclude the campaign with a streak of seven games undefeated.
Pick 1: Crystal Palace to Win (1.85, Unibet / WilliamHill)
Pick 2: Mateta Anytime Goalscorer (2.37, bet365)
Players Out
đŁCrystal Palace: Sam Johnstone, Holding, Doucoure, Franca, Ahamada, Lerma (50%), Hughes
âȘAston Villa: Kamara, Buendia, Mings, Jacob Ramsey, Morgan Rogers, Matty Cash, Zaniolo (25%), Alex Moreno (50%)
Predicted Line-ups
đŁCrystal Palace (3-4-3): Dean Henderson, Clyne, Andersen, Richards, Munoz, Wharton, Lerma, Tyrick Mitchell, Olise, Mateta, Eze
âȘAston Villa (4-2-3-1): Emi Martinez, Konsa, Lenglet, Pau Torres, Digne, Douglas Luiz, McGinn, Diaby, Bailey, Watkins, Duran
Pick 1: Crystal Palace to WinÂ
Constant injuries to key players has led to a stuttering season for the Eagles, although a managerial switch from Roy Hodgson to Oliver Glasner has yielded a significant change in fortunes for the South London club. The Austrian manager has overseen 13 games as the Palace boss, and has a record of:
- 6 wins
- 4 draws
- 3 losses
That run has included some tough fixtures too – Liverpool, Man City, Fulham, Newcastle and Tottenham are included in those 13 games. It’s been a really impressive end to the season, as Palace are one of the form teams in the top flight.
Palace have been incredible at home, too. They’ve won the xG battle in 5/6 under Glasner, only Man City created more xG than Palace. It demonstrates how not only results have improved, but performance too, which is ultimately what matters most.
On the other side of the equation, Unai Emery is without a win in five, also dumped from the Europa Conference League unexpectedly by Olympiakos in what has been a tough run of results. However, a Champions League place is mathematically safe for next season, with Spurs’ loss to Man City. That would provide some welcome relief, alleviate some stress and potentially lead to some rotation in the final game in South London.Â
Given Aston Villaâs downturn in form in recent weeks, paired with potential complacency having secured a top four spot, Crystal Palace to win seems a sensible play on the final gameweek. Glasner will be looking to end the season with 7 games undefeated, and provide something to cheer for the home crowd. Some of the Aston Villa squad might also be nursing a hangover from their midweek celebrations.
Bet 1: Crystal Palace to Win (1.85, Unibet / WilliamHill)
Pick 2: Mateta Anytime GoalscorerÂ
Mateta has been the biggest beneficiary of the Glasner system – swiftly becoming a fan favourite at Selhurst Park. The striker has scored in every home game under the new manager – eight goals in six games. As aforementioned, Palace have more motivation to win this game, and score some goals for the home faithful. Mateta has been absolutely flying to close out the season, so his price at odds against to extend his scoring streak was a touch surprising. His late-season resurgence has crowned the Frenchman the most clinical striker in the league this season, with a 30% conversion rate.Â
With Olise and Eze available, there should be no shortage of chances for the big man, so hopefully he can demonstrate his finishing ability once again. Mateta should be the allocated penalty-taker too as a bonus, looking to build on his 10 goals in 13 games under Oliver Glasner.
Bet 2: Mateta Anytime Goalscorer (2.37, bet365)
Thanks for reading, and best of luck if tailing!
If youâre a fan of the content, consider becoming a member!
