Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa: FA Cup Semifinal Prediction (April 26, 2025)

On Saturday, April 26 at 21:15 Astana time, Wembley Stadium in London will host the FA Cup semifinal between Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. To reach this stage, the Eagles defeated Stockport 1–0, Doncaster 2–0, Millwall 3–1, and Fulham 3–0. The Lions advanced by knocking out West Ham (2–1), Tottenham (2–1), Cardiff (2–0), and Preston (3–0). In the other semifinal, Nottingham will face Manchester City.

Bookmakers slightly favor Aston Villa in this semifinal matchup. A win for Crystal Palace in regular time is priced at 3.27, and 2.26 to reach the final. For Aston Villa, the odds are 2.20 and 1.64 respectively. The over 2.5 goals market is priced at 1.98, suggesting expectations of a moderately low-scoring match. Odds for both teams to score in regular time stand at 1.77.

Crystal Palace

Under Oliver Glasner, Palace have no remaining league objectives and sit 12th in the Premier League with five rounds to go. This allows them to focus fully on reaching the cup final—a feat they last achieved in 2016, when they lost in extra time to Manchester United. However, recent performances raise concerns: they’ve conceded ten goals across two matches against Manchester City and Newcastle, despite previously boasting a solid defense for a mid-table side.

Aston Villa

For Unai Emery and his men, securing a top-five finish in the Premier League to qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League remains a top priority. They’re locked in a tough battle with Chelsea, Newcastle, Nottingham, and potentially Manchester City. Nevertheless, winning a domestic title remains a significant goal. Emery is expected to motivate his squad to go for victory in regular time.

Head-to-Head Stats

Since 2022, these sides have clashed eight times, with Crystal Palace leading 4–2 in wins. However, their most recent Premier League meeting saw Villa thrash Palace 4–1 in London. Yet, in this season’s EFL Cup Round of 16, the Eagles knocked out the Lions 2–1.

Prediction

With a balanced head-to-head history, this match is unlikely to be a walkover. We expect a competitive showdown. Our pick: Both teams to score – Yes at odds of 1.77.