Unai Emery and his men travel to Selhurst Park with a mighty spring in their step after securing a top-four finish earlier this week. It’ll be a celebratory afternoon in the capital as the pressure is off following qualification for next season’s Champions League.
The achievement simply cannot be understated as the Villans will be taking part in Europe’s most prestigious competition for the first time in 41 years. Succeeding in such style just over 18 months after being in a relegation battle under Steven Gerrard’s stewardship is a mighty feat from all involved.
Emery, the master behind it all, certainly didn’t hide his excitement on Tuesday as Villa’s awards evening conveniently coincided with Tottenham Hotspur’s defeat to Manchester City – the result that sealed the deal. But the vastly experienced Spanish head coach remains focused on the job in hand with one game still to play.
Palace will be shown a great deal of respect, especially as Oliver Glasner has recently turned the tide. The Eagles were well off the pace but the Austrian head coach’s arrival has given them the boost they needed. Only title chasers Arsenal and Manchester City can better Palace’s 13 points out of the last 15 available.
Sunday’s hosts also still have it all to play for as a win could be enough for a top-half finish, above bitter rivals Brighton & Hove Albion. Villa, with that in mind and due to Emery’s characteristics, won’t throw the game away with a greatly worsened lineup but slight rotation is likely.
With all of those factors considered, here’s the starting XI we predict Emery will name at Selhurst Park.
1. GK - Emiliano Martinez
Martinez will probably start for a chance to bounce back from Monday’s huge error. Joe Gauci might start, who knows, but we reckon it’ll be the world’s number one. | Getty Images
2. RB - Kaine Kesler-Hayden
Kesler-Hayden has patiently awaited game time after being recalled from his loan at Plymouth Argyle. He certainly deserves an opportunity. | Getty Images
3. CB - Ezri Konsa
Konsa would move back into the centre if Kesler-Hayden does indeed play. The 26-year-old has one last chance to impress before the Euros. | Getty Images
4. CB - Clement Lenglet
Lenglet has been a decent utility option for Villa this term and he could be rewarded with one final appearance. He’s unlikely to join permanently. | Getty Images