'Villa will be able to open up Palace'published at 14:29 Greenwich Mean Time 26 December 2020
Aston Villa v Crystal Palace (15:00 GMT)
Mark Lawrenson
BBC football expert
Aston Villa's results have been up and down all season but they are on a good run at the moment with seven points from their past three games.
In contrast, Palace were taken apart by Liverpool last weekend. Yes, part of the reason for that was that Liverpool were absolutely outstanding in attack, and I'm sure we will see a reaction from the Eagles here, but I still think Villa will be able to open them up.
Jack Grealish is playing well and he is now to Villa what Wilfried Zaha is for Palace - their attacking talisman. On top of that, Villa play like they believe they belong in the Premier League because their results have given them that confidence.
Lawro's prediction: 2-0