Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa: Predicted lineups and team news for season finale

The curtain falls on the Premier League season as Crystal Palace welcome Aston Villa to Selhurst Park on Sunday. The Eagles, rejuvenated under Oliver Glasner, seek to cap off their campaign with a top-half finish, while the Villans look to end their winless streak and celebrate their Champions League qualification.

Since Oliver Glasner's appointment in February, Crystal Palace have been a force to be reckoned with. The Eagles have spread their wings, securing five victories in their last six Premier League outings. Their recent 3-1 triumph over Wolverhampton Wanderers showcased their attacking prowess, with Michael Olise, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Eberechi Eze finding the net.

Mateta, in particular, has been a revelation at Selhurst Park, scoring five goals in the last three home games against West Ham United, Newcastle United, and Manchester United. The French forward's clinical finishing and tireless work rate have been instrumental in Palace's resurgence.

Aston Villa's transformation under Unai Emery has been nothing short of remarkable. The Villans have defied the odds, securing a coveted Champions League spot for the first time since the 1982-83 season.

This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff, who have turned the club's fortunes around in a short span of time.

Despite their recent five-game winless run, Villa's accomplishments this season cannot be understated. Ollie Watkins has been the driving force behind their success, finding the back of the net 19 times in 36 league appearances.

Team News and predicted lineups

Crystal Palace will be without the services of midfielder Will Hughes, who suffered bone bruising in the clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Naouirou Ahamada will also be absent due to suspension after receiving a red card last weekend. However, the return of Jefferson Lerma to the squad will provide a much-needed boost to Palace's midfield options.

The Eagles' predicted lineup is as follows: Henderson, Clyne, Andersen, Richards, Munoz, Lerma, Wharton, Mitchell, Olise, Eze, Mateta.

Aston Villa, on the other hand, have been plagued by injury woes. Nicolo Zaniolo is set to be sidelined until August due to a foot injury sustained against Liverpool, while Youri Tielemans has also been added to the injury list. Morgan Rogers and Matty Cash are still unavailable, along with several long-term absentees. Despite his error against Liverpool, Emiliano Martinez is expected to retain his place between the sticks.

Villa's predicted lineup is as follows: Martinez, Konsa, Carlos, Torres, Digne, Bailey, Luiz, McGinn, Diaby, Watkins.

Crystal Palace boast an impressive record against Aston Villa at home, having emerged victorious in seven Premier League encounters, more than against any other opponent. However, Villa will be determined to complete a league double over Palace, having triumphed 3-1 in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.

Both Crystal Palace and Aston Villa will be eager to end on a high note. The Eagles, buoyed by their recent form and the electric atmosphere at Selhurst Park, will fancy their chances of securing a top-half finish. Meanwhile, Villa, despite their injury concerns, will be motivated to bounce back from their winless run and celebrate their Champions League qualification in style.

With attacking talent on display and pride at stake, fans can anticipate a captivating encounter between two sides determined to leave their mark on the season finale.