Preview for Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
Aston Villa have the chance to edge closer to their first FA Cup triumph in 68 years when they take on Crystal Palace in the semi-finals at Wembley on Saturday.
The club has made huge progress under Unai Emery and this season competed in the Champions League for the first time since 1982-83, when it was still under its former guise as the European Cup.
Ending another long wait by lifting the FA Cup is a priority for the club, and its supporters, with some even suggesting it is the priority this season.
That may be a stretch with returning to the Champions League via a league place more important for the club’s long-term health, and maintaining the upward trajectory.
Villa are in fine form, winning 10 of their last 12 games in all competitions with the only defeats coming at Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, the latter on Tuesday night as the visitors succumbed to Matheus Nunes’ last-gasp goal.
They were hammered 4-1 at Selhurst Park in February, however, by a Palace side that continues to impress under Oliver Glasner.
Glasner has his side playing with a solidity in defence and a formation that brings out the best in Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Both men scored in last night’s hard-fought 2-2 draw at Arsenal, Mateta’s superb equaliser coming with just seven minutes to go.
It was a major improvement from Palace, who had conceded five goals on each of their two previous away games, at Newcastle and Manchester City.
This weekend 😍#CPFC // @ComAve_Official pic.twitter.com/26p62GEOAa
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) April 24, 2025
Team News for Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
Having rested several players for the midweek trip to the Emirates, Glasner will revert to his strongest line-up which will see Mateta, Ismaila Sarr and Will Hughes restored to the starting XI.
Ben Chilwell missed the Arsenal game due to illness and his availability is unlikely to be known until nearer kick-off. Chris Richards could return after suspension.
Villa have greater strength in depth but are unlikely to make too many changes from the side that looked like securing a point at the Etihad in midweek.
Captain John McGinn is likely to return, though, possibly at the expense of Amadou Onana.
Predicted line-ups for Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
Crystal Palace: Henderson; Richards, Guehi, Lacroix; Munoz, Mitchell; Hughes, Wharton, Sarr, Eze; Mateta
Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Torres, Konsa, Digne; Kamara, Tielemans, Rogers, McGinn, Ramsey; Rashford
How to watch Crystal Palace v Aston Villa: TV and online stream
Crystal Palace v Aston Villa kicks off at 5.15pm UK time on Saturday evening.
It can be watched on BBC One with the coverage starting at 4.45pm.
The game can also be streamed on the BBC iPlayer, or BBC website and app.
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Our podcast episode with Ty is available to watch now on VillaTV+ or listen on your favourite podcast platform! 🔊
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) April 24, 2025
Stats for Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
- Aston Villa have not won in their last four games against Crystal Palace
- Villa’s last win came in September 2023
- Eddie Nketiah’s only league goal of the season came in the win over Villa in February
Prediction for Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
Palace are no pushovers nowadays, as shown against Arsenal. And in Eze, Adam Wharton and Mateta, they have players the envy of many other Premier League clubs.
And yet, we are going to plump for Villa to edge it. The FA Cup has taken on great importance this season and they have the firepower to cause any side problems.
Marcus Rashford will be looking to reinforce the view his career is back on track and a sparkling performance under the arch is likely to catch the eye of clubs considering a move for the England international in the summer.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 1-2 Aston Villa
