Aston Villa managed to open their points tally for the season last week against a win over the much-fancied Everton side. Dean Smith’s team then went on to thrash Crewe Alexandra 6-1 in the second round of the League Cup tie. Next, they will travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace who themselves managed a significant scalp as they defeated Manchester United at the Old Trafford.
Palace though are coming on the back of a penalty shootout defeat against League Two outfit Colchester in the Carabao Cup. One cannot read much into that game as Hodgson made significant changes to the squad. Villa doesn’t have the best of record at Selhurst Park as they have won just once in their last 13 away games there. However, the newly resurgent side under Smith can go past the Eagles.
Team News: Summer signing Matt Targett suffered a hamstring injury in the League Cup tie, and he could be out for few weeks. Experienced defender James Chester is also going to miss out. Jonathan Kodjia is still on the treatment table, and he too will be unavailable.
Aston Villa Predicted Lineup Vs Crystal Palace
Formation (4-1-4-1)
Defence
Tom Heaton should be back in goal after sitting out the Cup tie. Tyrone Mings has shown that he can perform in the English top-flight as well and he will start at the back. New signing Björn Engels has surprised us a little bit as he has settled in seamlessly in defence after joining this summer from Ligue 1 outfit Reims. He will partner Mings at the back.
Neil Taylor should keep his place at left-back. Frederic Guilbert got his first start against Everton and really impressed in that tie. The Frenchman should get a start at right-back once again.
Midfield
Douglas Luiz will start in the deepest role in midfield, and his job will be to form a base of attack and protect the back four. John McGinn will form the engine room of the side in midfield, and he will be in a box to box role. Jack Grealish hasn’t really managed to show his best form yet. He will look to influence more in the attacking third, and he will start in midfield.
Attack
Jota put in an eye-catching performance against the Toffees, and he is likely to start on the right flank as an inverted winger. Trezeguet is expected to get the nod ahead of Anwar El Ghazi on the left-wing. Wesley Moraes took his goal calmly against Everton, and the Brazilian is expected to lead the line for the Villans again.