Aston Villa's English head coach Dean Smith gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Aston Villa at The London Stadium, in east London on November 30, 2020. (Photo by NEIL HALL / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NEIL HALL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Aston Villa will take on Crystal Palace for a Boxing Day fixture in the Premier League. Villa have started to gather some good momentum as they have won 2 of their last 3 games. They swat aside a hapless West Brom side in their last game.
Palace will have to power through their recent results, one of which was a 7-goal stomping from Liverpool. Having won just one of their last 5 games, they are not in great shape. Expect Villa to hold the advantage over them here.
There will be a few names who will likely miss the trip to West Ham. Wesley and Trezeguet are surely ruled out for this one. Ross Barkley, who was recovering, could end up featuring in some capacity. Ezri Konsa could also play a part on his return. Not many injuries to speak of.
The former Arsenal man is enjoying being first-choice and will keep his place between the sticks. Has often bailed out his side in crucial games with some great stops.
Target keeps his place as left-back after the Brighton game.
Villa’s best defender for a while now. Will have to deal with Chistian Benteke for this one.
Has continued his good form in the absence of Ezri Konsa.
Matty Cash has settled in well at the club and keeps his place on the right side of the defence.
He is repaying the faith shown in him. Has been quite a reliable presence in midfield for them.
One of Villa’s best players in midfield and remains vital to how the pace of the game is controlled.
The former Chelsea man has been doing well in the last few games and thus keeps his place.
He is undoubtedly their best player and an undisputed starter. A lot will be riding on the captain if they are to keep winning.
With Trezeguet out for the time being and Traore playing on the other flank, El Ghazi continues to feature on the right.
Ollie Watkins proved to everyone that Villa didn’t make any mistake with his signing. May not be in the best of goalscoring form but will fancy his chances against a demoralised Palace side.