Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Prediction
Premier League, Round 21
January 7, 2026 (Local Time)
Our Prediction for Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
Crystal Palace carried positive momentum into this season after a productive campaign last year, finishing twelfth in the Premier League. More importantly, they lifted a domestic cup and later added the English Super Cup to their trophy collection. On the European stage, Palace progressed to the Conference League playoffs without serious difficulty, further underlining their growth as a club.
For a long period, league performances were also encouraging. However, winter has brought a clear dip in form. Palace were eliminated from the League Cup by Arsenal on penalties, and their Premier League results have also declined. A draw with Fulham offered little relief, and this was followed by a defeat to Newcastle. Uncertainty surrounding Oliver Glasner’s decision not to renew his contract may also be affecting the squad’s stability.
Aston Villa’s previous season was a mixture of highs and near misses. Their Champions League debut ended with qualification for the spring playoff stage, yet in the Premier League they narrowly missed out on sixth place despite finishing level on points. As a result, Villa are now competing in the Europa League, where they currently rank among the competition’s strongest sides.
Domestically, Unai Emery’s team endured an uneven start but steadily climbed into the leading group before the winter break. A heavy 1–4 defeat to Arsenal briefly halted their progress, but Villa responded emphatically with a confident 3–1 victory over Nottingham Forest, restoring belief and momentum.
From a statistical standpoint, Crystal Palace average 1.1 goals scored per match while conceding 1.15. Aston Villa are more productive in attack, scoring an average of 1.65 goals per game, while allowing around 1.2 goals.
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa: Key Statistics and Trends
Crystal Palace have failed to win in seven consecutive matches.
45% of Palace’s games see both teams score, with an average total of 2.25 goals per match.
Aston Villa have won eighteen of their last twenty-one matches.
60% of Villa’s matches end with goals from both teams, with an average total of 2.85 goals per game.
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa: Probable Starting Lineups
Crystal Palace (probable lineup):
Henderson – Guehi, Lacroix, Richards – Mitchell, Pino, Sarr, Kamada, Wharton, Clyne – Mateta
Aston Villa (probable lineup):
Martinez – Maatsen, Lindelof, Konsa, Cash – Onana, Kamara, Rogers, Tielemans, McGinn – Watkins
Previous Meetings: Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
Recent head-to-head history has not favored Aston Villa. In the last six encounters, the Birmingham club have managed just one draw and suffered defeats in all the remaining matches, including losses in the last three meetings.
Free Prediction for Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
Despite their poor recent record against Palace, Aston Villa arrive in much stronger form and with greater attacking efficiency. Given the hosts’ ongoing struggles and Villa’s upward momentum, the visitors are rightly considered favorites.
Our pick is Aston Villa with a “0” handicap.
