The third matchday of the Premier League resumes this weekend and on Sunday evening the round concludes with Crystal Palace heading to Aston Villa for a 7pm kick-off.
Villa will be looking to bounce back after a poor start to the league campaign, losing 1-0 away to Brentford following a 0-0 home draw with Newcastle on the opening weekend.
Palace have started the campaign with two draws and progression to the Conference League group stage in Europe.
The Eagles European travels may give Villa the advantage for this clash.
Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace Tips
Pays out at 4/1
Villa to kick start season against jaded Palace
Aston Villa have struggled for consistency at the start of the season but still carry plenty of confidence into this clash.
The Villans showed resilience to secure a 0-0 draw at Newcastle despite Ezri Konsa’s red card and were unfortunate to lose to Brentford, registering 17 shots and dominating possession.
Villa’s Premier League home form against Crystal Palace is excellent, with the Eagles failing to win at Villa Park in their last eight visits.
Palace are also coming off European duty on Thursday, which could leave them fatigued and vulnerable.
With Villa well-drilled under Unai Emery and a strong midfield supplying creativity, the hosts have the tools to exploit a tired Palace side.
Taking advantage of home comfort, quality in possession, and Palace’s likely travel fatigue, Aston Villa are well-placed to claim all three points.
Leg 1: Aston Villa to win @ 7/8
Watkins to grab first goal of the campaign
Ollie Watkins is Villa’s spearhead in attack and a proven Premier League goalscorer. Despite failing to score in the opening two matches this season, Watkins is still Villa’s main goal threat.
With Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio ending their loan spells over the summer, Watkins is once again the undisputed No.9 for Emery.
Supported by Youri Tielemans, John McGinn and Morgan Rogers, he will receive plenty of service to exploit Palace’s defence, which may be tired following their recent European match in Norway.
Watkins’ pace and positioning make him a threat in the box and on the counter. Expect Watkins to make an impact and open his account for the season.
Leg 2: Ollie Watkins anytime goalscorer @ 13/10
Goals at both ends
Both sides have attacking quality and a tendency to concede, suggesting a competitive, high-scoring encounter.
Both teams have scored in three of the last four clashes between these sides, and over 2.5 goals has been the outcome in the last six meetings.
Villa’s attacking quartet of Watkins, McGinn, Rogers and Tielemans can break down Palace’s defence, but the visitors have enough quality to respond, particularly on the counter or from set-pieces.
With Palace likely carrying some fatigue from European travel and Villa eager to exploit their home advantage, both teams are well-equipped to find the net. A lively, end-to-end game makes both teams to score a sensible option.
Leg 3: Both teams to score @ 5/6
