Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa
Venue: Selhurst Stadium
Kick off: 3pm
Two sides that will be looking to bounce back from defeat go head-to-head at Selhurst Park on Saturday (today) as Crystal Palace host Aston Villa in the Premier League.
Both sides have made a mixed start to the new season, winning their opening fixtures before slipping to defeat last time out.
Alan Pardew’s side lost their opening home match of the 2015-16 Premier League campaign, falling to a 2-1 defeat to London rivals Arsenal last Sunday, which followed a convincing 3-1 win over Norwich City on the opening day of the new term.
Having finished in the top half of the table last season, the manager will be hoping that his side are back on winning terms quickly, but the team will need to improve on last year’s home form if they are to match or better last year’s 10th-place finish.
Palace won 13 matches in the top flight last season, just six of which came at Selhurst Park.
They were beaten 10 times at their home ground, while losing just six times on their travels.
Only the clubs that finished 16th and lower picked up fewer home victories.
Winger Yannick Bolasie managed just 45 minutes against the Gunners, but it could be one of his last appearances for the Eagles, as he continues to be linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, something which he has admitted he would be open to.
Bolasie’s form in the second half of last season helped Palace pull away from the relegation zone, proving a formidable force down the flank, particularly when playing alongside Wilfried Zaha.
With four goals from their opening two matches, Palace are already one of the top scorers in the Premier League so far this season, with only three teams having scored more.
However, defence has been an issue, as they are yet to keep a clean sheet.
Like their opponents, Aston Villa were beaten in their second match of the season, losing 1-0 at home to Manchester United last Friday.
The loss came following a narrow win over top-flight newcomers, Bournemouth, on the opening day.
Tim Sherwood has insisted that his side must improve to avoid being dragged into another relegation battle this season, and the club have been linked with a number of potential new signings following the defeat, including Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Benik Afobe.
The squad has seen plenty of departures though, with club captain Fabian Delph making the move to Manchester City, while last season’s top scorer, Christian Benteke, has joined Liverpool.
However, there may be more players leaving Villa Park before the transfer window closes in just over a week’s time.
Philippe Senderos and Kieran Richardson are among those tipped to move on, but Leandro Bacuna has pledged his future to the club, penning a contract extension.
The club will be wary of celebrating a strong start to the season too quickly, having won three of their first four outings last season before waiting almost three months for their fourth win, losing six times in a row.
Crystal Palace possible starting lineup: McCarthy, Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare, Zaha, Puncheon, Cabaye, McArthur, Sako, Wickham.
Aston Villa possible starting lineup: Guzan, Bacuna, Richards, Grealish, Amavi, Veretout, Gueye, Westwood, Ayew, Agbonlahor, Gestede.