Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

The first FA Cup semi-final sees Crystal Palace battle it out with Aston Villa for a place in the final.

Palace were in action in midweek as they came from behind twice to gain a Premier League point at Arsenal.

Manager Oliver Glasner will have defender Chris Richards back at his disposal for the trip to Wembley. The American international served a one-game suspension on Wednesday night following his sending-off against Bournemouth.

Chelsea loanee Ben Chillwell was missing from the previous match due to illness and it is unclear whether the defender has recovered in time to feature this afternoon. The likes of Jean-Philippe Mateta, Ismaila Sarr and Will Hughes were given a partial rest against Arsenal with all three introduced off the bench.

Aston Villa are searching for their first piece of silverware for almost three decades. Like Palace, the Villans were also on the road during the week as they dramatically lost 2-1 to Manchester City.

The Spanish coach is operating with an entirely fit squad. A third-round appearance for parent club Chelsea against Morecambe means Axel Disasi is cup-tied and therefore unavailable.

Tyrone Mings was missing from the squad on Tuesday night, although his absence is thought to be more of a precaution than a significant worry. Ollie Watkins will be hoping to make the starting eleven after publicly voicing his disgruntlement over a lack of minutes.

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa – Match Preview and team news

Form

Crystal Palace: WLLDD

An audacious effort from substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta earned Palace a 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Wednesday.

Eberechi Eze had cancelled out Jakub Kiwior’s early header with an exquisite volley before Leandro Trossard restored the Gunners’ lead.

But with six minutes to play, Mateta spotted David Raya off his line and expertly dinked a finish that clipped the crossbar on its way in.

Despite the positive comeback, the Eagles are now winless in their last four matches. Their last two games have ended in draws, but both required character and desire.

Prior to their stalemate in North London, Palace played out a goalless draw with Bournemouth. Following Chris Richards’ first-half dismissal, Oliver Glasner’s side played the entire second period with a 10-men, yet still kept a clean sheet.

Palace fans will be hoping their team have timed their return to winning ways for the perfect occasion. The South London outfit last made the FA Cup final in 2016 when they were conquered by Manchester United in extra-time.

Aston Villa: LWWWL

It was a disastrous climax in Manchester on Tuesday for Unai Emery’s men as they conceded a late winner with virtually the last kick of the game.

Matheus Nunes tapped into an empty net in the fourth minute of stoppage-time following mesmerising wing play by Jeremy Doku.

Earlier on, Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford equalised from the penalty spot for Villa after Bernardo Silva’s opening goal.

It was a damning blow to Villa’s hopes of qualifying for the Champions League next season. They are now two points behind fifth-place Newcastle United having played a game more.

However, Emery’s side are still in fine form. They have triumphed in 10 of their last 12 outings, with away defeats to City and Paris Saint-Germain the only losses in that period.

Last Meeting: Crystal Palace 4-1 Aston Villa, Premier League, 25th February 2025

The last time the two sides met, Crystal Palace emphatically swept aside Aston Villa at Selhurst Park.

On the half-hour mark, birthday boy Ismaila Sarr celebrated by breaking the deadlock. Chris Richards connected with Adam Wharton’s deep cross and tested Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. However, the Argentine could only parry into the path of Sarr, who couldn’t miss from a few yards out.

Just before the break, Morgan Rogers thought he had restored parity. The Englishman initially played through Ollie Watkins before receiving the ball back off his striker and completing the move with a smashing finish. However, a VAR check revealed Watkins was fractionally offside in the build-up and the goal was chalked off.

Seven minutes into the second period, Rogers breached Dean Henderson’s for the second occasion and this time it counted. Watkins was the provider again with his flicked header finding the bursting run of the midfielder. The 22-year-old spun adroitly and fired in the leveller.

It didn’t take long for Palace to restore their advantage through Jean-Philippe Mateta. The Frenchman is adored at Selhurst Park and he produced another clinical finish in front of the home faithful.

Oliver Glasner’s men then doubled the deficit as Sarr grabbed his second of the evening. Daniel Munoz’s cross was at the perfect height for the Senegalese international to control a volley into the bottom corner. Not a bad way to celebrate your 27th birthday.

In stoppage time, Eddie Nketiah secured the three points with his first Premier League goal for the Eagles. Tyrick Mitchell’s drilled cross was inviting for the former Arsenal striker who had the simple task of applying the final touch.

Since that poor display in the capital, Villa have only lost one game in the league – that 2-1 defeat to Manchester City four days ago.

Predicted Lineups

Crystal Palace: Henderson; Munoz, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Mitchell; Wharton, Lerma; Sarr, Eze, Mateta.

Aston Villa: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Tielemans, Kamara; McGinn, Rogers, Rashford; Watkins.

Who is the referee?

Anthony Taylor will be the match official. Gary Beswick and Lee Betts will assist him while Rob Jones will be the fourth official.  Craig Pawson is on VAR duty and Nick Hopton will assist him.

What TV channel is Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa on?

The first FA Cup semi-final will be shown on BBC One, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport Online.

What time is kick-off?

Kick-off at Wembley Stadium will be at 17:15 BST on Saturday 26th April 2025.

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Betting Odds

Crystal Palace: 23/10

Draw: 12/5

Aston Villa: 23/20

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