Under no circumstance was Patrick Vieira's second summer in charge of Crystal Palace any more manageable than his first. Team selection problems and late fitness tests for important players were sketched into a performance when an opening day defeat to Arsenal confirmed their fears that the squad wasn't ready. 

A young and impressionable Eagles' setup found it difficult to maintain their stamina and concentration against Mikel Arteta's merciless new squad.

Goals on either side of halftime meant that a floodlit Selhurst Park became home to a fruitless, zero points for Vieira. 

Nevertheless, all was forgiven when Eberechi Eze found space on the turn, on Monday night, before slotting the gallivanting Wilfried Zaha into a position of promise as he waltzed past a befuddled Liverpool defence and crashed the inside of the post to hoist the south London club to a one-goal lead at Anfield.

It would not, however, be a deficit that they would hold on to.

As Luis Diaz picked up the ball far out on the left wing, the clock ticked at an unusually-slow pace for those donning red and blue, and only one purpose monopolised the dazzling winger's thoughts - a blue-chip goal worthy of winning any fixture.

The Columbian took his time, peeled away from five Palace players, looked up, and flashed a penetrating blow into the top right corner of Vicente Guaita's goal in the second half to bring the match level - condemning Palace to just one point in their first two Premier League outings of the new season. 

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Now that they've drawn one and lost one this season, Vieira and his exciting galaxy of talent will hope to take another step forward against Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon to record a victory.

Steven Gerrard's men will make the journey to Selhurst Park, having beaten Everton 2-1 in their last encounter.

After observing a galvanising performance that saw Ollie Watkins, Danny Ings, and Emi Buendia forge an exciting attacking trident, fans of the midlands club will relish the chance to test their value against the opposition of a similar calibre. 

Both managed by a former Premier League great and hoping to ride the crest of the wave and upheave their form into top 10 contention, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are bound to tangle paths in their ambitions this season. 

  • Team news

Crystal Palace

Zaha excelled in the striker role against Liverpool, but in a change of tactics, he may be preferred on the left flank again against Villa, giving Odsonne Edouard or Jean-Phillipe Mateta his central role.

The return of Michael Olise to the starting lineup is also nearing, as his late cameo last time out showed promise that the young Frenchman was ready to take on first-team duties again. 

Aston Villa

For Gerrard, the latest injury news isn't so favourable. He will need to call upon the services of Ezri Konsa or Calum Chambers to fill in for the injured Diego Carlos at centre-back.

Buendia is in line to replace Philippe Coutinho, but the central-midfield occupants should remain the same, with Douglas Luiz staying among the replacements.

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  • Key players

Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)

Responsible for being the creative link between defence and attack on Monday, Eze also assisted the only goal of the game for Palace. He finally looks back to his best, and his linkup play with Zaha will be invaluable to success against Villa. 

Emi Buendia (Aston Villa)

While Phillipe Coutinho failed to disrupt a rigid Everton defence at the weekend, his replacement, Buendia, proved capable of finding space and penetrating the backline. For the same reasons as Eze, Buendia is crucial for tapping into his team's offensive potential. 

  • Predicted lineups

Crystal Palace: Guaita; Mitchell, Guehi, Andersen, Clyne; Schlupp, Doucoure, Eze; Zaha, Mateta, Ayew

Aston Villa: Martinez; Digne, Mings, Konsa, Chambers; Luiz, McGinn, Ramsey, Buendia; Watkins, Ings

  • Match details

Where is the match being played?

The match will be contested at Selhurst Park, south London.

What time is the match?

It kicks off at 15:00 BST. 

How can you watch the match?

Unfortunately, there are no television broadcasts for the match. 

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