Aston Villa welcome Crystal Palace to the West Midlands on Sunday knowing that only a win will do as they fight for their right to play in the Premier League next season. Meanwhile, Palace realistically have nothing to play for after four successive losses left their already-slim European hopes in tatters. After trying but failing to overcome newly-crowned Premier League champions Liverpool in their own backyard, Villa had only a few days off to prepare for their next testing fixture against an in-form Manchester United side. Dean Smith is still looking to guide the relegation candidates to their first win since January, although the visit of Palace possibly represents their most winnable fixture since the Premier League resumed. A Jordan Ayew winner was enough for Palace to take all three points against Villa in the reverse fixture back in August.

Source: Punch July 11, 2020 21:56 UTC