MusaBefore the international break, Unaia Emery’s men had four consecutive defeats in all competitions, most recently 2-0 to Liverpool.
Emery has been working harder than ever in training to rectify this, while most of the first-team stars have been playing for their countries.
The Spaniard saw Amadou Onana injure his foot on Belgian duty and will be out for two to three weeks, while Ian Maatsen, Pau Torres and Matty Cash were spotted in training.
Villa will hope the trio will play a part against Palace, especially with one of the Eagles’ star players set to return.
Eberechi Eze to return for Aston Villa against Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace superstar Eberechi Eze suffered a hamstring injury in the Carabao Cup win over Villa at the end of October.
As a result, the 26-year-old missed the matches against Wolves and Fulham, while he was forced to watch England’s victories over Greece and the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League.
In September, Oliver Glasner praised Eze as “unbelievable” after he scored a goal and an assist in a 2-1 win over QPR in the EFL Cup.
Eze has become arguably Palace’s most influential player, especially after Michael Olise’s departure to Bayern Munich, and the attacking midfielder could return this weekend.
The Daily Mail reported last week that the Eagles medical staff are optimistic that the England international will be fit to feature at Villa Park.
Eze actually scored in the previous away fixture at Aston Villa before getting injured after just 18 minutes, but he has proved to be a Villa nuisance in recent years.
Eberechi Eze against Aston Villa
Palace’s number 10 is undoubtedly one of the most talented teammates in the Premier League, as evidenced by his rise to stardom at Selhurst Park.
Rio Ferdinand once described Eze as “unique” because of the creative energy and sparkle he brings to the game. He is able to quickly outpace his opponents and be decisive in his finishing.
Eze scored the most goals against Villa and his record for goals and assists speaks volumes about the joy he takes in this match.
If Glasner feels the Englishman is fit enough to start, Emery will have to watch out for his threat as he scored twice and assisted in their 5-0 thrashing of Villa in May.
Musa
