Can Aston Villa snap four-match Selhurst losing streak to reignite title charge? | OneFootball

Aston Villa’s return to winning ways last time out has set the tone for what now looks a favourable trip to Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.

The defeat at Arsenal briefly halted their momentum, but the response against Nottingham Forest suggested that the setback was little more than a blip.

Unai Emery’s side were clinical, composed and ruthless when required, reinforcing why they remain firmly in the Champions League conversation.

Villa arrive in London knowing that sustained pressure is now part of their season rather than an exception.

The visitors are third in the Premier League table and have shown an ability to reset quickly whenever momentum has been tested.

Ollie Watkins has reasserted himself as the focal point of their attack, with his recent scoring run underlining Villa’s cutting edge.

That attacking fluency now faces a Palace side struggling to find any rhythm.

Palace’s defeat at Newcastle United extended their winless run to seven matches in all competitions.

Confidence has drained away steadily over recent weeks, particularly at Selhurst Park, where league wins have been scarce.

Oliver Glasner’s impact has cooled, and the idea of Palace being an unpredictable threat has begun to fade.

Any team travelling to Selhurst Park would normally approach with caution given Glasner’s tactical reputation.

However, recent evidence suggests Palace are no longer the daunting assignment they once appeared to be.

Defensive lapses have become common, while attacking output has failed to match the intensity of earlier performances.

The arrival of Brennan Johnson offers long-term promise, but expecting immediate transformation may be unrealistic.

By contrast, Villa look settled and purposeful, even when games become scrappy.

Their ability to manage matches, particularly away from home, has been a defining feature of Emery’s tenure.

Four narrow away wins in their last five highlight a team comfortable winning without dominance. That efficiency could prove decisive against a Palace side still searching for belief.

There is historical encouragement for the hosts, with Palace enjoying recent success in this fixture. Those meetings now feel less relevant given the contrasting trajectories of the two teams.

Villa are playing with clarity and confidence, while Palace are still grappling with uncertainty.

That said, football rarely follows a script, and Selhurst Park has a habit of producing unexpected moments.

An early goal or a surge of crowd energy could alter the dynamic. However, it is difficult to look beyond a Villa victory.