Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa prediction: ENGLAND: Premier League betting tips on match 2024-05-18 15:00.
[p]The Premier League season is ending at the wrong time for in-form Crystal Palace, who have strung together a six-match unbeaten run ahead of the final matchday (W5, D1). The Eagles followed up a famous 4-0 win over Manchester United by beating Wolves 3-1 at the weekend, giving them the chance of achieving their first top-half finish since 2014/15 on the final day.[/p]
[p]Manager Oliver Glasner has been a man in demand since taking the reins at Selhurst Park, yet the Austrian looks set to stay after Palace reportedly quoted Bayern Munich €100m for his services! Interest in him is not surprising considering that Palace have won each of their last three home league games, presenting the Eagles with the chance to string together four such victories in the top-flight for the first time since December 1990![/p]
[p]Visitors Aston Villa should arrive in the capital in a jubilant mood, as Tottenham’s defeat to Manchester City on Wednesday confirmed that Unai Emery’s men will compete in the UEFA Champions League next season. The Spaniard described it as a “very special day” as the Villans ensured they’ll dine at Europe’s top table for the first time in 41 years, somewhat making up for their recent exit in the semi finals of the Europa Conference League![/p]
[p]While the travelling fans will be delighted that the pressure is off this final day clash, bringing an end to a five-match winless run across all competitions would nonetheless be welcome (D2, L3). Villa have also lost each of their last three matches on the road, failing to score in the last two, so confidence may not be too high that they can ‘do the double’ over Palace for just the second time ever.[/p]
[p]Players to watch: Perhaps overshadowed by the dazzling form of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has gone under the radar despite netting nine times in his last ten appearances. Two-goal substitute Jhon Durán was the catalyst behind their comeback against Liverpool on Monday, perhaps forcing his way into just a third start of the Premier League season here.[/p]
[p]Hot stat: Palace have lost just one of their last six matches on the final day of a league season (W3, D2).[/p]