I thought they looked really good going forward against Everton and Mings looked the business at the back. The question is whether they can repeat that against a team that is compact and more negative, as Everton did give them too much space at times. Wolves seemed to struggle last season when teams closed up on them. In Jota and Grealish they certainly have players capable of unlocking a defence, but both might struggle against a more physical player like Kouyate.

If we play with a similar line-up to Man Utd I think we can sneak a win 2-1 with Zaha returning to the score sheet and a header from Cahill. If, however, Roy reverts back to 442 then I think we'll lose 0-2.

This is one of those games against the teams that will be around us come the end of the season, therefore we must win, another loss or draw at home will be unacceptable. Hopefully the score will 2-0!

My head says a 0-2 defeat, but my heart says a 0-2 defeat.

Palace 0-2 Villa

Injuries permitting, and observing Roy’s methods, I expect the only change from Saturday to be Townsend for Kouyate with Mcarthur slotting in beside Luka in midfield.
Personally I would retain Kouyate in midfield for his energy and bite.
The best I can see is a hard fought 1-0 like Leicester at home last year but more likely to be 0-0 or 1-1.

If Villa come out and try to be a bit gung ho but we keep solid at the back then this could be a good win for us.

If they sit back and defend then the usual 0-0 or 0-1 home performance bore off is on the cards.