Crystal Palace receive a major boost as Roy Hodgson issued a warning ahead of Aston Villa.
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed that a number of key players could be back in time for Saturday’s clash against Aston Villa (3pm) at Selhurst Park. Palace are currently seventh in the table after four games of the new season, having won two, drawn one and lost one. Arsenal manager Unai Emery will be hoping to get his side back on track after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Liverpool, with Saturday’s home game against Palace (3pm) coming up. Hodgson has urged his side to improve after Sunday’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanders, but confirmed Michael Olise, who has been linked with a move to Manchester City, is expected to return from injury in the near future.
“To be honest, I’d be even happier after our performance against Plymouth in the second half and our performance against Brentford,” he said in a statement released by Sky Sports after the Wolves game. “I have things to consider and our players have things to consider, but to be honest, we’re still a team in a learning process.” We’re still working on improving our game and making sure we can improve in all areas. With Edouard’s return today and Will Hughes’ return from injury, and the imminent return of Michael Olise, it’s very reassuring to know there are still some very quality players we can call upon to help us be better than we have been today.
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Mateta says he’s had a great week after scoring three goals against Plymouth and helping the Eagles to a win over Wolves.
Last week was a busy one for the Eagles striker, who scored a hat-trick on Tuesday in the league cup, was linked with a potential transfer window exit from SE25, and then provided two assists in the 3-2 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday. The victory at Selhurst park was won thanks to a double from fellow French striker Odsonne (Edouard) and an own-goal from Ebere (Eze) as Palace moved up to seventh place in the league. Mateta, 26, who had only been on the bench until the 71st minute and had only one assist in the Premier League in 2021/22, said: “It is always nice to win and to make a difference. I am very happy.”
When we win, I love it. When we score, I celebrate. When we win, I feel happy. It’s always good. I’m having my best week because I’m working hard. We’ve been working on combinations before the goal. It’s been a lot of hard work. Did Mateta mean the unconventional assist? “The first one with my back was good,” he said. “I saw him running behind and I touched it with my back. He scored with a good finish.” He added that he enjoyed playing with Eze every day. “It’s always nice to play with big players, with good quality and international players. It’s a pleasure.” Did Palace make two bids for Eze in the transfer window? “No, we didn’t make any bids,” he said.
