Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are set to clash in a 2025 FA Cup semifinal match this Saturday. Crystal Palace, often referred to as the Eagles, have held the advantage in recent meetings against Aston Villa (the Villans), winning three and drawing one of their last four encounters across all competitions. This includes a dominant 4-1 victory in the Premier League on February 25th. In their most recent outings, Palace secured a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Arsenal, while Villa experienced a 2-1 defeat to Man City.
The match is scheduled to kick off at Wembley Stadium in London at 12:15 p.m. ET. According to the latest odds, Aston Villa are favored at +115, while Crystal Palace are considered underdogs at +230. The odds for a draw are listed at +220, and the over/under for total goals in the match is 2.5. SportsLine soccer expert Martin Green has provided his analysis and predictions for this semifinal showdown.
Expert Pick: Both Teams to Score (-130)
Expert Martin Green highlights the `Both teams to score` market. He notes that this outcome has occurred in 23 of Aston Villa`s 34 league matches this season. It also materialized in both of their FA Cup games against Premier League opposition (West Ham and Tottenham). Green suggests this trend makes it a promising bet for the upcoming match.
Expert Pick: Jean-Philippe Mateta to Score (+180)
Another prediction favors Jean-Philippe Mateta to score, with odds of +180. The French striker has been prolific this season, netting 14 goals in 30 Premier League starts, and he scored as a substitute in the recent draw against Arsenal. Although he is yet to score in the FA Cup this campaign, Green anticipates that Mateta`s pace, cleverness, and skill will pose significant problems for the Villa defense.
Expert Pick: Morgan Rogers to Score or Assist (+170)
Morgan Rogers is also identified as a key player, with odds of +170 to either score or provide an assist. Rogers has contributed two goals and one assist in the FA Cup this season. He also has eight goals and eight assists in the Premier League and was responsible for Aston Villa`s only goal when the two teams last met in February.
These expert insights provide a look at potential outcomes and player performances in the upcoming FA Cup semifinal between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa.
Adrian Whitmore