Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Preview, Team News, Odds & Predictions – 04/26/2025

The Wembley Stadium awaits as Crystal Palace and Aston Villa return to the celebrated stadium after a gap of almost nine years for the London-based club, while Villa returns five years after losing to Manchester City in the 2020 EFL Cup final. The two teams will clash for a spot in the FA Cup final as the semi-finals will commence on Saturday, April 26.

In the three fixtures between the two teams this season so far, the Eagles have the upper hand as Crystal Palace knocked out Unai Emery’s men from the EFL Cup fourth round with Jhon Duran’s goal sandwiched by goals from Eberechi Eze and Daichi Kamada. In the first league fixture at Villa Park, the Villans fought back twice to earn a 2-2 draw but were totally outclassed in the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park as Oliver Gassner’s men ran riot, winning the match 4-1, Villa’s joint-biggest defeat in the ongoing season.

Learn more about the odds, team news, picks, and predictions for the thrilling FA Cup semi-final between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa:

Where to watch Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa

Here is when and where to watch the clash between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.

Date: 04/26

Time: 12:15 pm ET

Location: Wembley Stadium, London

Where to watch: The match can be watched on ESPN+ in the USA

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Preview

The last four meetings between Palace and Villa have either ended in a win for Gassner’s men (thrice) or a draw, as the Eagles have dominated the recent matches between the two clubs. On the other hand, Palace have been knocked out of the FA Cup by Villa thrice, and Emery would be hoping to add to that statistic when the two teams meet in the semi-final on Saturday.

Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace have come leaps and bounds as they reconstructed their squad and playing style under Gassner’s tutelage over the last 14 months, and the Eagles have been flying high in the ongoing Premier League season as they comfortably sit in mid-table above the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur. In the FA Cup, Palace disposed of lower league sides like Stockport County, Doncaster Rovers, and Millwall in the third, fourth, and fifth rounds respectively before defeating Fulham 3-0 in the quarter-final.

Gassner would be delighted with the fact that Chris Richards would be available for the semi-final at Wembley Stadium as the defender completed his unfortunate suspension in mid-week and could start on Saturday. Cheick Doucoure and Chadi Riad are both undergoing rehabilitation for their knee injuries, while Ben Chilwell might miss the monumental clash due to an illness.

Predicted Starting XI (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Sarr, Eze; Mateta

Aston Villa

The Birmingham-based club has seen a revival and a transformation for the ages since Emery’s arrival at the club as Villa competed in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final this season and are also challenging for a UCL spot for the 2025-26 season as well. In the FA Cup this season, Villa defeated West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur in the third and fourth rounds before defeating Championship sides Cardiff City and Preston North End in the fifth round and the quarter-final, respectively.

Axel Disasi featured for Chelsea in the 5-0 win over Morecambe in the third round of the 2024-25 FA Cup, making him cup-tied for Villa, but that shouldn’t be a big blow for Emery, given that Pau Torres has a clean bill of health ahead of Saturday’s crucial fixture.

Predicted Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Kamara, Onana; Rogers, Tielemans, Rashford; Watkins

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Under/Over Predictions

The Playoffs aim to facilitate the safest bets for the game. Have a look at the predictions for the game below.

Total goals Over 2.5 @ +102 (MGM Bet): With two attack-minded managers taking charge of their respective teams at Wembley on Saturday, the fans can expect goals from their favorite team. While nerves and the enormity of the occasion are expected to play a part, skilful finishers on both sides would ensure that any defensive mistake is paid for by their opponents.

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Player Picks

Ollie Watkins (To Score a Goal @ +188 as per MGM Bet): Duran was sold in the winter transfer window by the Villans while Watkins stayed put to help the team navigate the Champions League knockout rounds. Since then, the English striker has been overshadowed and ignored by Emery as the Spaniard has favored starting Marcus Rashford ahead of the prolific striker. If Watkins starts on Saturday, one can expect him to find the back of the net, and Emery needs to keep both his strikers happy if he wants Villa to lift a trophy at the end of the season.

Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Prediction

Both teams have a mental edge over the other, and while Villa would love to exact revenge upon Manchester City in the final, Crystal Palace would be a very tough opposition to defeat on their good day.

Our Final Prediction: Emery’s men will edge the contest 2-1 and deservedly enter the final, given that they have faced more Premier League teams so far in the FA Cup campaign.

ALSO READ: Manchester City favorites to win the FA Cup: Full list of odds for all teams to lift the coveted trophy

Mohak Arora

A stand-up comedian and a sports journalist with speciality in writing prediction pieces and features on football, cricket, and badminton. Over the last few years, I have contributed pieces to iGaming giants like Parimatch, 1X News, and Melbet.