Crystal Palace will be eager to improve their poor Premier League run when they host Aston Villa on Wednesday 7, 2026. Unai Emery's side could go second with a win but will know their poor record against the Eagles will have to change if they are to earn their 14th league win of the season.
FootballWhispers’ Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa prediction takes a look at the chances of both sides getting the job done at Selhurst Park.
Contents
- 1 Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa prediction: Palace look to extend strong record over Villa
- 2 Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookmakers have away side as clear favourites
- 3 Most recent H2Hs: Crystal Palace dominate the recent meetings
- 4 Crystal Palace preview: Hosts options with players remain limited
- 5 Aston Villa preview: Watkins to lead the line once again
- 6 Player to watch: Ollie Watkins
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa prediction: Palace look to extend strong record over Villa
Key Stats
- Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last six games against Aston Villa, winning five and drawing once.
- The Eagles have not won in their last seven games in all competitions.
- The Villains have lost just once in their last 13 games in all competitions.
Correct score prediction: Crystal Palace 1-3 Aston Villa
Despite their poor overall record against Wednesday night's hosts, Aston Villa have so far enjoyed an incredible Premier League campaign, despite a poor start to the season. While we expect the hosts to put up a fight and make it a competitive game, we predict that Unai Emery's side will finally end their dismal run against Crystal Palace and go second in the league.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookmakers have away side as clear favourites
- HOME: 15/8 (2.875) – 34.8%
- DRAW: 23/10 (3.30) – 30.3%
- AWAY: 6/5 (2.20) – 45.45%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Having won major trophies in 2025, Oliver Glasner's men ended the calendar year in a bad run of form, winning just once in December and slipping to 14th in the Premier League.
A New Year's Day draw was followed up by a disappointing 2-0 loss away to Newcastle, with the Eagles now hoping their impressive form against Aston Villa can continue on Wednesday night.
Playing over 50 games already this season has taken its toll on the Eagles, their recent performances and issues in front of goal have seen them drop rapidly down the table and they will be eager to get their first win of 2026 sooner rather than later.
Brennan Johnson made his Palace debut just two days after signing from Tottenham for £35m, further highlighting the lack of options Glasner has had at his disposal in recent weeks.
The bookmakers are backing Villa's impressive form to continue during the week, giving them a 45.45% chance of winning, compared to just 34.8% for the hosts.
Emery's men started 2026 with a comfortable 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest, with Ollie Watkins and John McGinn brace sealing the points at Villa Park.
While we take a deeper look into both sides, you can take a peek at some of the best picks and predictions for the midweek fixtures by FootballWhispers in today’s free football betting tips.
Most recent H2Hs: Crystal Palace dominate the recent meetings
The record between the pair is much talked about as the sides met four times last season, with Palace's 3-0 FA Cup semi-final victory being the most significant.
However, it is worth noting that the two are in contrasting form and everything points to Aston Villa finally getting one over Glasner's men.
England Premier League 31/08/25
Aston Villa
Crystal Palace
England FA Cup 26/04/25
Crystal Palace
Aston Villa
England Premier League 25/02/25
Crystal Palace
Aston Villa
England Premier League 25/02/25
Crystal Palace
Aston Villa
England Premier League 23/11/24
Aston Villa
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace preview: Hosts options with players remain limited
Jefferson Lerma was forced off after just 38 minutes at St. James Park and will likely miss out on this mid-week Premier League clash.
Playing more games than usual and forced into making changes, Glasner will once again have to tinker with the XI ahead of this one.
Daniel Munoz, Caleb Kporha, Cheick Doucoure and Ismalia Sarr are all out through either injury or international duty.
Predicted lineup: Henderson (GK), Canvot, Lacroix, Guehi, Clyne, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell, Johnson, Mateta, Pino
Last five games:
- Newcastle 2-0 Crystal Palace
- Crystal Palace 1-1 Fulham
- Crystal Palace 0-1 Tottenham
- Arsenal 1-1 Crystal Palace
- Leeds United 4-1 Crystal Palace
Aston Villa preview: Watkins to lead the line once again
Ollie Watkins rediscovering his form has been vital for Aston Villa in the last few weeks, with the England international scoring four in his last three.
Expect him to lead the line for the Villains once again with Emery opting for the same XI that beat Nottingham Forest in their first game of 2026.
They remain without the injured Ross Barkley and Amadou Onana, as well as Evann Guessand who is away with Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Predicted lineup: Martinez (GK), Cash, Konsa, Lindelof, Maatsen, Kamara, Tielemans, McGinn, Rogers, Buendia, Watkins
Last five games:
- Aston Villa 3-1 Nottingham Forest
- Arsenal 4-1 Aston Villa
- Chelsea 1-2 Aston Villa
- Aston Villa 2-1 Manchester United
- West Ham United 2-3 Aston Villa
Player to watch: Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins up-turn in form towards the end of the year and into the New Year means he now has four goals in his last three games.
Now on seven goals for the season, the England international's form means he is certainly a player to keep an eye for Wednesday's clash.