Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the FA Cup match.
The opening FA Cup semi-final of the weekend may lack the star power of the later clash between UEFA Champions League hopefuls Nottingham Forest and Manchester City, but this encounter still carries the potential to yield the eventual cup winner.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa faced Manchester City as recently as Tuesday, and it took a dramatic late effort from the champions to secure victory in the 94th minute. Despite registering fewer total shots (7 to 14) and fewer efforts on target (3 to 6), Aston Villa carved out more high-quality chances (1.76–1.33 in xG). Marcus Rashford was instrumental in that tally, contributing 1.49 xG. The ex-Manchester United forward converted a penalty and fired three other attempts, one of which hit the woodwork.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace also had a demanding midweek fixture against Arsenal, yet managed to threaten more consistently than the English Premier League runners-up. The squad outshot their opponents 15 to 12, generated more key chances (5 to 4), and posted a higher total xG (1.81–1.18 in xG). Like Marcus Rashford, Jean-Philippe Mateta hit the woodwork, but unlike the Aston Villa striker, he managed to score after the ball rebounded off the crossbar. The goal owed much to Arsenal’s defensive lapse, as the French forward lifted the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.
Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa Prediction
Given these attacking statistics, both Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have the firepower to avoid a low-scoring stalemate. While both squads feature reliable goalkeepers, their attacking units are just as formidable. Their English Premier League encounters this campaign back up that outlook: a 2:2 draw and a 4:1 win for Crystal Palace.
