Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Preview: Eagles Seek Revival Against Top-Four Challengers
London, January 7, 2026 – Crystal Palace hosts Aston Villa in a crucial Premier League Round 21 fixture at Selhurst Park, with the Eagles aiming to snap a five-match winless streak in the league. Aston Villa, sitting third in the table, looks to maintain pressure on the top spots following a recent victory.
Match Overview
The match kicks off at 19:30 GMT at Selhurst Park in London, England. Crystal Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, enters the game in 10th place with 27 points from 20 matches (seven wins, six draws, seven losses). Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, holds third position with 42 points from 20 matches (13 wins, three draws, four losses). Recent form sees Palace winless in their last five Premier League outings, including a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United, while Villa bounced back with a 3-1 home win over Nottingham Forest, courtesy of goals from Ollie Watkins and a brace from John McGinn.
Head-to-Head History
Crystal Palace has dominated recent encounters, winning the last two meetings. In the 2025-26 Premier League season opener on August 31, 2025, Palace secured a 3-0 victory at Villa Park. Earlier, in the 2024-25 FA Cup semifinal on April 26, 2025, Palace triumphed 3-0 at Wembley Stadium, with goals from Eberechi Eze and a brace from Ismaïla Sarr. Overall, since 1997, Palace has won 12 of 28 matches against Villa, compared to Villa’s 10 wins and six draws.
Key Facts / Stats
| Aspect | Crystal Palace | Aston Villa |
|---|---|---|
| Current League Position | 10th (27 points) | 3rd (42 points) |
| Recent Form (Last 5 PL Matches) | L-L-L-L-L | W-L-W-W-W |
| Goals Scored This Season | 22 | 33 |
| Betting Odds (Moneyline) | +155 | +125 |
| Predicted Lineup Formation | 3-4-2-1 | 4-2-3-1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the match?
The game takes place on January 7, 2026, at 19:30 GMT at Selhurst Park in London, England.
What are the current standings?
Aston Villa is third with 42 points, while Crystal Palace is 10th with 27 points in the Premier League.
Who are the key players to watch?
For Crystal Palace, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Marc Guehi are crucial. For Aston Villa, Ollie Watkins and John McGinn have been in fine form.