After drawing with Newcastle United and losing at Brentford, the Midlands outfit desperately need to secure a positive result at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday. Their cause could be helped by Palace’s midweek involvement in the Europa Conference League, which could leave their squad feeling fatigued this weekend.

Numerous Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers will be hoping Villa’s top players perform well having failed to live up to expectations to date.

Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers were tipped to be among the leading players in Spreadex Sports’ FLP points predictions but have tallied a combined nine points between them. With that in mind, read on as we look at Villa’s team news ahead of the game, before assessing whether any of their players are worth including in FPL teams.

Aston Villa – Predicted line-up
Boubacar Kamara will miss the game, while Andres Garcia and Ross Barkley are doubtful. Ezri Konsa is available after serving a one match suspension. Villa could line up as follows: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, McGinn, Onana, Tielemans, Malen, Watkins, Rogers.

Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace – Recent results
• April 26, 2025 – Crystal Palace 3-0 Aston Villa
• February 25, 2025 – Crystal Palace 4-1 Aston Villa
• November 23, 2024 – Aston Villa 2-2 Crystal Palace
• October 30, 2024 – Aston Villa 1-2 Crystal Palace
• May 19, 2024 – Crystal Palace 5-0 Aston Villa

Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace – Preview
Villa have drawn just one of their last five meetings with Palace and will be desperate to improve that dismal record this weekend. The Eagles have recorded draws against Chelsea and Nottingham Forest in their first two games and have the ability to make life difficult at Villa Park.

Rogers and Watkins were expected to be standout performers this season, but both players have failed to provide the attacking thrust Villa need. However, they could each be sensible picks for FPL managers this weekend given their previous exploits against Palace in the Premier League. Rogers has scored once in two league appearances against the Eagles, while Watkins has tallied three goals and four assists in ten matches.

Villa’s goalkeeper and defenders could also be shrewd acquisitions given that Palace have scored just once in their two league outings this term. Palace’s involvement in the Europa Conference League will stretch their resources and they could find it difficult to keep pace with Villa on Sunday.

Emery’s comments after last week’s disappointing 1-0 defeat at Brentford suggest his team will look to bombard Palace early in the game. The manager admitted that it “is very hard to come back” from conceding the first goal, and he will be eager to avoid suffering a similar fate this weekend.

If Villa can establish an early advantage against Palace, their players could rack up a healthy points total for FPL managers who keep the faith.