Crystal Palace are gearing up for a pivotal encounter against Aston Villa this Saturday, returning to Birmingham just over three weeks after their 2-1 victory in the round of 16 of the Carabao Cup. Goals from Ebere Eze and Daichi Kamada propelled the Eagles to success on that occasion, but this time, manager Oliver Glasner's outfit faces a fully fit Villa squad, who have strategically rested key players for league engagements. With Palace aiming to escape the relegation zone, the stakes are particularly high heading into this Premier League clash.
Despite their recent cup triumph, Palace's league form has raised alarm bells. The Eagles are yet to secure a win in their last two league outings, having drawn against Wolverhampton Wanderers and suffered a disappointing defeat to Fulham at Selhurst Park. With just one victory in their last eleven league encounters, the urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. A failure to glean points on Saturday could leave Palace four points adrift of safety, a precarious scenario given the daunting fixture list that lies ahead.
Squad depth has become a pressing issue for Glasner, with injuries afflicting several key players. However, there is a glimmer of hope as Will Hughes is set to return following a suspension. His absence was keenly felt during the recent match against Fulham, and his inclusion could restore much-needed stability to Palace’s midfield. Additionally, Ebere Eze, who sustained a hamstring injury during the previous encounter with Villa, is reportedly 50 percent likely to feature on Saturday. Should he not make it, he is anticipated to be back for the following week’s clash with Newcastle United. The potential return of Eze could reinvigorate the squad, enhancing both quality and morale, although caution is essential to prevent any further aggravation of his injury.
Another key player to monitor is Jefferson Lerma, who is also on the mend from a hamstring injury incurred last month. His fitness would be a significant boost, providing crucial options in a midfield that has struggled recently. The combined return of both Lerma and Eze could dramatically bolster the Eagles’ chances, particularly in light of their difficulties in midfield during the recent setback against Fulham.
This match also holds sentimental significance, marking a year since Cheick Doucoure sustained a season-ending Achilles injury, an incident that had a notable impact on the team’s dynamics. Doucoure had re-emerged as a pivotal player upon his recovery and subsequent pre-season return, but an unfortunate toe injury suffered in September has left his availability in jeopardy as the weekend approaches. His presence would re-establish balance in the midfield, enabling other players to revert to their preferred roles.
Glasner's recent tactical choices have attracted scrutiny, particularly his decision to deploy a midfield pairing of Marc Guehi and Justin Devenny during the defeat to Fulham. While Guehi is primarily a defender, Devenny, a youth academy graduate, struggled to make his mark on debut. The potential return of Doucoure alongside Hughes is vital for reinstating a more traditional midfield setup against a formidable Villa side.
With injuries persisting, Palace may also need to turn to youth talent, especially if key attacking options such as Eddie Nketiah and Matheus Franca remain sidelined. Jeffrey Schlupp’s contributions have not met expectations, leading to discussions about the potential inclusion of a younger player from the academy. Asher Agbinone is touted as a strong candidate, offering pace and directness—qualities that could serve Palace well in this critical fixture.
In conclusion, as Crystal Palace prepare to welcome Aston Villa, this match represents not only the pursuit of vital points but also a test of resilience and depth within the squad. The upcoming fixture will provide insight into whether the Eagles can capitalise on the return of injured players and the introduction of youth prospects to regain momentum and avert the threat of relegation, as Glasner faces mounting pressure to steer the club towards a turnaround.