Unai Emery refused to blame his team selection as Aston Villa missed out on the EFL Cup quarter-finals after their 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace.

Villa were dumped out of the competition in the fourth round, as Palace stunned the home crowd with Eberechi Eze's headed opener.

Both Eze and Adam Wharton were forced off injured in the first half, during which Jhon Duran levelled proceedings, though Daichi Kamada slammed into the bottom-left corner from outside the box to snatch the win.

Leon Bailey, John McGinn and Diego Carlos were the only regular starters Emery fielded in a rotated lineup, though the Villa manager defended his decision after the full-time whistle.

"We started with 11 players who are in the first team," Emery told Sky Sports. "We started with Tyrone Mings and Diego Carlos, and they can play normally in the starting 11.

"We started with [Ian] Maatsen, [Boubacar] Kamara, McGinn, Duran and [Emiliano] Buendia. I don't know if I can have any regrets.

"Today, we competed and we lost, but we competed with the idea of players getting performances. Of course, we are frustrated, but if I repeated it again, I would play with the same players."

Oliver Glasner's Palace have struggled in the Premier League, leaving this result as somewhat of a surprise against Champions League opposition.

Victory came at a cost, however, as Eze limped off with a hamstring issue and Wharton suffered a groin problem.

"[We] started the game well," Glasner told Sky Sports. "The problem [with Eze] was his hamstring, and we don't know how serious it is.

"We concede and then have Adam's [Wharton] groin issue. [On Tuesday] he said he was fine, but his pain got worse. It's too early, but I am positive as it's nothing new. He has had groin problems for many months. 

"We thought he needed a break, but yesterday, he gave the thumbs up."

Oliver Glasner asserted that Crystal Palace’s 1-0 victory over Tottenham represented “the benchmark” for his side going forward.

Palace secured their first three points of the season after a torrid run of eight games without a win at the start of the campaign.

Jean-Philippe Mateta secured the winner in the 31st minute and Palace could have had more with Eberechi Eze seeing a goal ruled out for offside and being denied a potential penalty shout in the second-half.

While the pressure had been mounting on Glasner after a run of three straight defeats, victory could ease the scrutiny.

"It helps all of us if we play in that way. We are a very good team and it's very difficult to beat us. Getting this response, this game helps us,” Glasner told BBC Sport.

We have to show it again in three days against Villa. This is the benchmark. You can score and concede, this is football.”

Palace managed 14 shots throughout the game, with six of those on target. It was more than their traditionally attacking opponents could muster as they put just three shots on target and caused few problems for the hosts.

While Glasner’s side were unable to capitalise further on their dominance, he was delighted with the performance.

"Congratulations to team, to the players for how they played today with passion and courage. They showed it on the pitch against a good Tottenham team,” he added.

"The players took it as a chance and every single phase we played great and moved the ball. A very good performance today.

"I mentioned before the game that if we were convinced changing the formation was the solution then we would do it immediately. Tottenham tried everything late on. The players did it amazing and that is why we won this game."

Eberechi Eze looked back to his best, as he notched the second-highest expected goals (xG) total on his team (0.16), only beaten by goalscorer Mateta (0.24).

He contributed the assist with a skilful flick to direct Daniel Munoz’s cross into the path of Mateta. He also took the most shots (four) and had the most touches in the box (seven) of both sides.

"I think we see the old Eze all season. He's been a bit unlucky. We know he is technically unbelievable,” Glasner said.

“He scored a great goal but was offside. I think it's a penalty but I didn't see it on TV. If he has a free shot then he shoots so I don't know why he would lie down on the grass.”

Oliver Glasner believes Crystal Palace's problems are mental, rather than tactical, as the pressure builds on the Eagles boss ahead of Sunday's London derby versus Tottenham.

Palace are one of four teams yet to win a Premier League match this season – a new record through eight games of a single campaign.

That is despite them winning six of their final seven games of 2023-24, leading some to tip them as surprise candidates for European qualification in pre-season.

Reports have suggested Glasner's position could be under threat if results do not improve before the November international break, but the Austrian is simply focused on giving his players the support they need.

"At the moment we don't score goals, we should score more. Then it's always tough, one mistake and we get punished," Glasner said. 

"I think we've all had better times in football, better times in sports. The players tried everything to win the game, but at the moment, we have to be honest, it's not enough.

"Everybody's frustrated, everybody's disappointed. It's our responsibility, especially mine now, to get chins up, the head up of every single player, to support them.

"At the moment I don't think it's a tactical problem, it's a mentality problem. It's a lack of confidence, we can see it, and so this is what we have to change."

Tottenham, meanwhile, have won three of their last four league games after fighting back to beat West Ham 4-1 in another London derby last week.

Ange Postecoglou withdrew James Maddison at half-time in that game, allowing Dejan Kulusevski to thrive in a number 10 role, and he thinks there is more to come from the Swede.

"Deki's been great all year. He obviously feels more comfortable in that area, he's much more involved in the game, which I think is key with Deki," Postecoglou said.

"He wants to be involved and playing on the wing, sometimes he could get a bit frustrated in himself that he wasn't involved.

"I think we can get more goals out of him, more assists. All season, he's been great. I think he's maturing, as well. He's been captain of his country, which gives him even more self-belief. I think there's more to come."

PLAYERS TO WATCH 

Crystal Palace – Eddie Nketiah

Since scoring a hat-trick against Sheffield United in October 2023 for Arsenal, Palace striker Nketiah has played 804 minutes in the Premier League without finding the net.

He is currently on a run of 30 shots without scoring in the competition, and if the Eagles are to ease the growing pressure on boss Glasner, they may need him to find his shooting boots.

Tottenham – James Maddison

Spurs midfielder Maddison could make his 200th Premier League appearance in this match. 

Maddison ranks first in the competition for passes played into the opposition penalty area this season (72), while he has five assists in his last 11 games.

MATCH PREDICTION – TOTTENHAM WIN

Tottenham have won 19 of their 30 Premier League games against Palace (seven draws, four losses), their highest win rate against any fellow London side in the competition's history (63%).

They will be confident of another victory here. Postecoglou's side have won three of their last four Premier League matches (one defeat), as many as they had in their previous 11 games (three wins, one draw, seven losses).

One could argue their performances have warranted more points this season, too. Spurs are second only to Manchester City for shots (145), shots on target (55), touches in the opposition box (355) and successful opposition half passes (2,069) in the Premier League. 

Tottenham also rank top for passes played into the opponent penalty area (306) and expected goals (16.95 xG).

Palace, meanwhile, won five of their first seven home leagues matches under Glasner (one draw, one defeat), scoring 22 goals, but have since gone four without victory at Selhurst Park (two draws, two defeats), failing to net in three of those games.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Crystal Palace – 25.9%

Tottenham – 50.1%

Draw – 24%

Oliver Glasner acknowledged tough times are aplenty at Crystal Palace but urged his side to come together after their 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.

Monday's defeat marked just the fourth time in Palace history that they have gone winless through their first eight league games to start a campaign (also in 1922-23, 1973-74 and 1992-93).

Chris Wood's second-half finish, squirming under the grasp of a disappointed Dean Henderson, proved the difference at the City Ground.

Sitting 18th in the table and a point adrift of safety, Austria's Glasner issued a rallying cry in the face of adversity.

"We are all frustrated and disappointed and as always one or two situations decide the game," Glasner told Sky Sports. 

"At the moment it goes against us, but this is the time we have to get through it together.

"I saw the team fighting from the first to the last second, we created chances, hit the post twice. At the moment, we don't score goals and we have to be honest.

"No goal today, no goal against Liverpool, no goal versus [Manchester] United, and if you play like this it is difficult to win.

"We make one mistake and we get punished. That is the situation we are in. But the only guys that can turn it around is this team."

Goals remain a problem for Glasner's side, with the Eagles failing to find the net in half of their top-flight outings this season.

That may come as little surprise, though, considering Palace have failed to score in 150 Premier League games since their return to the division in 2013, which is at least 28 more than any other side.

Glasner remains confident in his struggling team to turn things around, however.

"We worked and worked and worked to come back, but they do not concede many goals at the moment," he added. "It's disappointing, but the mindset of the players makes me positive for the future.

"You can trust us. We are the guys that may suffer the most. I see the players now in the dressing room, and it is our job to support them, to lift their heads up and stay positive, but it's not that easy.

"We have to rely on the experience of the group, some of the players will have seen this at previous clubs, to come back and work together and go again."

Wood, meanwhile, became just the third player to reach 20 Premier League goals for Forest, after Bryan Roy (24) and Stan Collymore (22), when his right-footed volley snuck past the hand of Henderson.

That strike lifted Forest up to eighth in the table after their first home win of the season, and the New Zealand international believes improvements are still to come under Nuno Espirito Santo.

"You have to have as high expectations as possible and keep believing that you can keep doing better and better," he told Sky Sports.

"How we have started the season, we believe we can keep improving and pushing further and further up the table."

Crystal Palace's concerning start to their Premier League campaign continued as Chris Wood's second-half strike powered Nottingham Forest to a 1-0 win on Monday.

Oliver Glasner's side are now winless in their first eight league games of the 2024-25 campaign after a profligate showing ended in defeat at the City Ground.

Opportunities were aplenty in an enthralling first half as both sides were denied by the woodwork, while Wood spurned a pair of golden opportunities from close range.

Yet Wood atoned for his first-half struggles after 65 minutes, however, when Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson failed to keep out a tame from the edge of the box.

Eberechi Eze and Eddie Nketiah both went close for Palace before that Wood winner, but Matz Sels was in inspired form to keep Glasner's Eagles at bay.

The narrow victory lifted battling Forest up to eighth in the table, while Palace sit 18th and a point adrift of Ipswich Town.

Data Debrief: Profligate Palace punished

This was the 150th Premier League game that Palace have failed to score in since returning to the division in 2013-14, which is 28 more than any other side in the same timeframe.

That was not for a lack of trying, though, as Glasner's side accumulated 1.12 expected goals (xG) to Forest's 1.62.

But it was a familiar tale as Wood proved the difference – since the start of last season only Erling Haaland (12), Cole Palmer and Dominic Solanke (both nine) have scored more openers in the Premier League than the Forest striker's eight.

Oliver Glasner acknowledged Crystal Palace are "not going in the right direction" in the Premier League as his struggling side prepare to visit Nottingham Forest on Monday.

The Eagles sit in the relegation zone after going winless through their first seven league games before the October international break.

Glasner spent the pause for international football with his family in Austria, though struggled to "switch off" with his mind intent on atoning for Palace's drab start.

Palace were defeated 1-0 by high-flying Liverpool last time out in the competition, their fourth loss of the campaign, and an honest Glasner conceded change is needed.

"Regarding the results, no, we are not going in the right direction," Glasner said. "We wanted and expected a little bit more. Everything isn't so settled at the moment."

His message to Palace before their trip to the City Ground remains clear, however.

"Stick together, work hard and let's improve because then we can get the results," the Austrian added in a defiant pre-match rallying cry.

Forest, by contrast, have impressed through a difficult start to the season against high-quality opposition, managing a 1-1 draw away to Chelsea last time out despite James Ward Prowse's second-half dismissal.

Manager Nuno Espirito Santo will not be on the touchline against Palace, however, after being handed a three-game ban for "unacceptable behaviour" in the 2-2 draw with Brighton before the international break.

"It's tough. We're going to be in permanent contact and what is important is that we prepare well and the players are ready to compete," Nuno said of his absence.

"I'm surprised. It's a big sanction but there's nothing we can do. It's not for me to judge.

"My job is to move forward and make sure the coaching staff are ready to help the team. We had a hearing, everything was normal. The sanction has been decided. Let's go."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Nottingham Forest – Chris Wood

Chris Wood has scored six of Forest’s last nine Premier League goals, and has 19 goals for them overall in the division.

The New Zealand international is looking to become just the third player to hit the 20-goal mark for Forest in the competition, after Bryan Roy (24) and Stan Collymore (22).

Crystal Palace – Eberechi Eze

Only Erling Haaland (35) and Antoine Semenyo (31) had more shots in the Premier League this season – before the October international break – than Eberechi Eze (27), who has struggled without Michael Olise.

Eze has just one goal in the competition for those efforts, though, with his 3.7% shot conversion rate leaving Glasner needing more from his star attacker.

MATCH PREDICTION – DRAW

Though Palace have struggled this campaign, a draw appears the most likely result with little to separate these two sides for Monday's clash.

Forest are winless in their last seven home matches across all competitions (D4 L3), their longest such run since October 2020 (also seven), with Nuno needing to find a solution.

A point apiece also seems probable considering five of the last six league meetings between this pair have ended in draws, including the last three matches in a row.

That run still leaves Forest unbeaten in their last seven league meetings with Palace (W2 D5), while the Eagles are winless in their 10 previous top-flight clashes with Monday's hosts.

Only considering Premier League clashes, Forest have never lost in eight outings against Palace (W3 D5) – both the most they’ve faced a side without losing and the most the Eagles have faced a team without winning in the competition.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Nottingham Forest win – 38.6%
Draw – 27.8%
Crystal Palace win – 33.6%

Arne Slot confirmed Alisson is set for a spell on the sidelines after being forced off injured late in Liverpool's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Diogo Jota scored the only goal nine minutes in after Eddie Nketiah had a goal disallowed in the first minute for offside.

Palace attempted to find a late equaliser, but amid their flurry of chances, Alisson went down after a routine clearance holding his right leg.

Having only just returned from a thigh injury, it is a worrying sign for the Brazilian, with big games against Chelsea and Arsenal coming up.

And though Slot was pleased to get the win that secured their stay at the top of the table over the international break, he confirmed it was unlikely Alisson would be available for their next games.

"Mostly for me, it's special [to be top of the table]," Slot told TNT Sports.

"Players go to their national team, and they think of the national team, but for me, if I lose it is three to four days of being unhappy. I think my wife will be happy as she will have someone home who is happy.

"Really satisfied with how we started the season. It is a good start, not only the results, but I liked our performance today.

"The fixtures are difficult, but I have felt how difficult Wolves and Palace are away. It is good that we have won these games, and it is up to us to show ourselves in the big games.

"Unfortunately, Alisson will not be with us in these matches with how he walked off the pitch."

Meanwhile, Oliver Glasner was left frustrated as he felt Palace should have had a penalty for a push by Virgil van Dijk on Marc Guehi.

They are winless in their first seven matches of the Premier League, their longest such run at the start of a campaign in the competition since 2017-18 (also seven games), but the German is not worried after seeing positive signs from his team.

"We should have had a clear penalty," Glasner said. "I disagree [with the PGMOL explanation] if it was on the halfway line they'd have given a foul. When it's a foul, it's a foul.

"It doesn't matter if it had an impact or not. If it is in the box, it is a penalty.

"It is frustrating we didn't get a point because we had chances. The way we played in the second half – creating more chances and moments and not giving them chances – gives me confidence."

Premier League sides cruised into the EFL Cup third round on Tuesday, but there was concern for Brighton over new signing Matt O'Riley.

Denmark midfielder O'Riley arrived from Celtic this week but lasted just nine minutes of his Seagulls debut, hobbling off with an apparent ankle injury against League One side Crawley Town.

That issue will leave Brighton head coach Fabian Hurzeler worried, though the performance from the rest of his side left little concern after a 4-0 victory.

Simon Adingra got things going in the first half before Jeremy Sarmiento, Julio Enciso and Adam Webster were on target after the interval in a routine second-round win.

In stark contrast to Brighton, Sean Dyche's Toffees are yet to win – or score – in the Premier League this season but dispatched League Two's Doncaster Rovers 3-0 at Goodison Park.

Tim Iroegbunam and Iliman Ndiaye both scored their first competitive goals for Everton before backup striker Beto sealed a routine victory, which came in similar fashion to Palace's 4-0 win over Norwich City.

Oliver Glasner's side are without victory in the top flight this campaign, too, but eased into the third round after Jean-Philippe Mateta scored twice, along with goals for Eberechi Eze and Daichi Kamada, at Selhurst Park.

Leicester City, another side without a point to their name in the top division yet, also overcame Tranmere Rovers 4-0 thanks to goals from new signing Jordan Ayew, Stephy Mavididi, Wilfred Ndidi and Harry Winks.

Crystal Palace "have to be in the present" after suffering a 2-0 defeat to West Ham at Selhurst Park, boss Oliver Glasner has said.

The Eagles routed the Hammers 5-2 at the same venue in April as part of six victories in a seven-match unbeaten run to finish the 2023-24 season.

However, goals from Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen consigned Palace to defeat on this occasion, leaving Glasner's men without a point through two games of the infant Premier League season.

A frustrated Glasner said Palace had to forget the strong end they had to last season.

"We can't dream of what we were doing three months ago," Glasner told Ed Aarons of the Guardian.

"It's now up to us to keep calm and not be too disappointed. We will sleep really badly tonight but tomorrow the sun will rise."

Palace sold defender Joachim Andersen to Fulham this week and also saw Michael Olise, a goalscorer against the Hammers in April, depart for Bayern Munich earlier in the transfer window.

And Glasner acknowledged his squad could do with a couple of extra bodies.

"We have lost seven and brought in three," he said

"Maybe we need one or two. But this is what we're talking about, to have a good balance in the team. Let's see what happens next week."

Speaking to the club’s in-house media, Glasner said there were still plenty of positives to take.

"I think we played okay. It's maybe not the top level, but it's okay, we created chances, we created situations," he said"

"We have to stay positive, we have to stay together, especially when the time is not so sunny."

Victorious manager Julen Lopetegui, meanwhile, was in a positive mood after his side claimed their first three points under his leadership.

"It feels good to win and we're happy to achieve these three points," he told in-house West Ham media.

While the Hammers had much of the play for the second half, Palace were not without their moments throughout the 90 minutes.

Ebere Eze stood out, with his best effort rattling the crossbar shortly before half-time, while Odsonne Edouard was also a danger.

"This stadium is always difficult to win in, against a very good team. They have good players, a good coach and good ideas," said Lopetegui.

"We have to defend well to give us the platform to win. We had to be together to overcome the bad moments.

"We did and were resilient. We worked so hard for the result."

Joachim Andersen has returned to Fulham three years after his loan spell with the club, joining from Crystal Palace in a permanent deal. 

Andersen, who made 31 appearances for the Cottagers in the 2020-21 campaign, has signed an initial five-year contract for a reported £30million transfer fee. 

The Danish international becomes Marco Silva's fifth senior signing of the transfer window ahead of their first home game of the season against Leicester City on Saturday.

Andersen helped Fulham keep nine clean sheets in his previous stint with the club, a total only bettered by the 11 he managed for Palace during the 2021-22 campaign. 

The 28-year-old was a standout performer for the Eagles last term, completing the most passes (1713) and winning the most aerial duels (91) for Oliver Glasner's side. 

“It’s really nice to be here. Feels a little bit like coming home, so it’s a good feeling," Anderson told Fulham's official website.

“Of course, I know the club, I know how Fulham are playing, I know many players, I know some staff, so I didn’t need anyone to convince me because I knew a lot of things already.

“I had some good talks with the manager. I know the playing style he likes to play, so it was just a decision I needed to make myself, with my wife and family, and see what’s the best for me, and I think this is a good step for my career.”

Julen Lopetegui is eyeing improvements from West Ham as they target their first win of the season against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Spaniard's first game in charge ended in disappointment, as the Hammers conceded a late goal in a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.

Though West Ham have brought in a whole host of new signings, few featured at the London Stadium, but Lopetegui could choose to ring in the changes in an attempt to get their first points on the board under his charge.

"The Premier League is the most demanding competition around the world, so the little details are key," he said.

"It's true that we lost against one of the best teams in the Premier League in the last season.

"We have to keep the good things that we showed, and we did, and we have to improve the bad things to be more competitive."

Meanwhile, Palace also lost their opening game, going down 2-1 to Brentford after they had an early Eberechi Eze goal chalked out when the referee blew his whistle before the ball crossed the line.

Oliver Glasner has seen the Eagles go from strength to strength under his leadership, with only Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea earning more points than them since he took over in February.

The German was left frustrated by the manner of their defeat to the Bees and admitted there is still work for Palace to do to get back to the level they showed last season.

"We feel disappointed of losing the season opener," he told the BBC.

"It feels like we shouldn't lose the game. There were many situations where we did okay but know we can do better.

"In decisive situations, we were not on our top level."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Crystal Palace – Eberechi Eze

Eberechi Eze had more shots on matchday one than any other Premier League player (seven). It is the third time he has had 7+ shots in a Premier League game without scoring, the most of any Crystal Palace player on record (since 2004-05).

West Ham – Tomas Soucek

Despite losing to Aston Villa, West Ham had the second-highest expected goals total of any Premier League side on the opening weekend (2.5 behind Liverpool's 2.7).

Tomas Soucek was responsible for 1.1 of those with his five shots, though he failed to hit the target with any of them.

MATCH PREDICTION: CRYSTAL PALACE WIN

Palace have won their last two Premier League home games against West Ham, having won just one of their previous eight against them at Selhurst Park (drew two, lost five).

In fact, Palace's recent home form is impressive after they won their final four Premier League games of 2023-24 at Selhurst Park by an aggregate score of 16-2. The Eagles have not won five consecutive such games since October 2001 (a run of six), while they have never done so in the top-flight.

However, Palace have won just five of their last 25 Premier League games in August (drawn seven, lost 13). Indeed, in all months they have played at least 10 games in the competition, they have fewer wins (11) and their lowest win rate (21%) in August.

Meanwhile, West Ham lost 2-1 against Aston Villa in their opening Premier League match this season – no side has lost both of their opening two games in a single campaign more often than the Hammers (eight, level with Southampton).

The Hammers lost their last three Premier League games against fellow London sides in 2023-24, with the last two seeing them lose 5-2 at Crystal Palace and 5-0 at Chelsea. No team in English Football League history has ever conceded 5+ goals in three consecutive London derby matches before.

The last four Premier League meetings between Palace and West Ham at Selhurst Park have produced a total of 24 goals, an average of six per game (13 for Palace, 11 for West Ham). Both teams have scored at least twice in each of these four matches.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Crystal Palace – 43.6%

Draw – 25.4%

West Ham – 31%

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner is not dwelling on the refereeing error that cost Eberechi Eze a goal in Sunday's 2-1 Premier League defeat at Brentford.

Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa fired Brentford to a matchday-one victory at the Gtech Community Stadium, with Palace briefly levelling in the second half via an Ethan Pinnock own goal.

The Eagles thought they had taken a 26th-minute lead when Eze produced a brilliant effort from a wide free-kick, his ambitious shot clipping the near post and beating Mark Flekken.

However, referee Samuel Barrott blew for a foul from Will Hughes on Nathan Collins, and the VAR was unable to intervene due to the whistle sounding before Eze's shot crossed the line.

After the game, Glasner revealed Barrott had admitted his error but said he was not irritated by that conversation, telling Sky Sports: "It shows he is a great man, a good guy.

"It is over. It is what it is. We talk about what we can influence. In many situations we could have done better. 

"We are not in the rhythm we should be, that's no excuse, it is the situation. The team did okay but it was not the best performance we could show."

Palace's defeat came after they finished the 2023-24 season on a seven-match unbeaten run (six wins, one draw), with their last Premier League loss coming by a 4-2 scoreline against Manchester City in April.

They were far from the fluent best they have shown since Glasner's appointment on Sunday, with their 14 shots only tallying 1.07 expected goals (xG), compared to Brentford's 1.39 xG from nine attempts.

Eze took seven of Palace's shots and grew increasingly frustrated as the game went on, while fellow England international Marc Guehi produced a shaky performance amid reports linking him with Newcastle United.

Glasner has no concerns over Guehi's commitment, though, saying of the centre-back: "Everyone could see he was completely focused on Crystal Palace and the game today. 

"The last two days, we didn't speak about transfers because we focused on the game, so there's no news."

Oliver Glasner said he is planning for Crystal Palace's opening game of the Premier League season against Brentford with Marc Guehi in his side amid links of a move away. 

Guehi, who starred for England at Euro 2024, has been the subject of interest from Newcastle, with a reported fourth bid for the defender rejected by the Eagles on Friday. 

Since his move to Selhurst Park in 2021, the 24-year-old has made 98 league appearances, but in the 16 games he has missed, Palace average more goals against them (1.6) compared to 1.3 with him in the side. 

Chairman Steve Parish said Newcastle would have to pay "superstar money" for Guehi earlier this week, with Glasner confirming he remains in contention to feature on Sunday. 

"Marc trained today and we talked together," Glasner said. "I've had no other information. I'll have to look at my bank account and see if anything came in!

"We plan with Marc. He's our player and our captain, I can't tell you anything else.

"As long as no one tells me they will leave or the club tells me someone will leave, then we will work with them every day and prepare the team."

Brentford, meanwhile, are looking to improve on their 16th place finish in the Premier League last season as Thomas Frank prepares for his sixth campaign in charge. 

The Bees finished 13 points above the relegation zone last year, but have strengthened in the forward areas with the arrival of Fabio Carvalho from Liverpool. 

Frank, however, suffered a blow in his first pre-season fixture as club-record signing Igor Thiago suffered a meniscus injury that will keep him out until the end of 2024. 

Despite losing the Brazilian striker, Frank is happy with the players he has for their opening fixture, saying: "I am very happy with what we've got, overall.  

"What I've found out is, it is difficult, say you want a left winger, then to get the right one, at the right level, at the right time is sometimes difficult.

"So of course if we only have one winger and we need four, then of course, we need to buy.

"You’ve got to get the best possible player that can make the squad stronger. We are trying to do everything we can to improve."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Brentford – Ivan Toney

Despite rumours of a potential exit, Ivan Toney remains a Brentford player for their first encounter of the 2024-25 season, and he will be keen to hit the ground running.

After scoring in four of his first five games following his return from suspension, Toney has now gone 12 Premier League games without a goal. 

Only once has he had a longer drought in English league football, going 15 games between December 2015 and August 2016 during spells with Barnsley, Newcastle and Shrewsbury Town.

Crystal Palace – Ismaila Sarr

Having lost Michael Olise to Bayern Munich, Palace have aimed to fill the gap left by the Frenchman with the arrival of Ismaila Sarr from Marseille. 

During Sarr's previous spell in English league football between 2019 and 2023, he led all Watford players in goals (33), assists (17), chances created (124), total shots (251) and touches in the opposition box (539).

Only Joao Pedro (242) completed more dribbles than the Senegal international (208) for the Hornets, and Glasner will be hopeful of an instant impact against the Bees. 

MATCH PREDICTION: BRENTFORD WIN

For the third time in four Premier League seasons, Brentford are beginning the campaign with a London derby. They beat Arsenal 2-0 in 2021-22, before a 2-2 draw with Spurs last season.

But after a 14-game unbeaten run in top flight derbies in the capital between October 2022 and November 2023, Brentford have now lost five of their last seven against fellow London opponents (D2).

And Palace have proved to be one of those difficult opponents, with Brentford failing to triumph in all six of their Premier League meetings with the Eagles (D5 L1). 

It’s both the joint-most the Bees have faced a side in the competition without ever winning (also six v Newcastle) and the joint-most the Eagles have faced a side without ever losing (also six v QPR).

Glasner will be hoping to continue Palace's form from the end of last season having won six of their final seven games (D1), winning the last three in a row by an aggregate score of 12-1. 

The Eagles won 1-0 on the opening day of the 2023-24 season against Sheffield United, but haven’t won their first league match in consecutive campaigns since 2006-07/2007-08.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Brentford – 41.2%

Draw – 26.7%

Crystal Palace – 32.1%

Jean-Philippe Mateta stole the show with a hat-trick as Crystal Palace ended the Premier League season unbeaten in seven straight games after a 5-0 hammering of Aston Villa at Selhurst Park.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner replaced Roy Hodgson in February and has made an immediate impression on the Eagles, with promising signs awaiting his first full season in England next term.

Mateta has been one of many Palace players to enjoy an upturn in form since Glasner's arrival, with the in-form striker's deadly first-half double paving the way for an impressive victory on Sunday.

Frenchman Mateta completed his hat-trick with a well-taken finish in the second half, in between a pair of eye-catching Eberechi Eze goals, as Palace's dominant triumph saw them finish 10th in the table.

This final-day defeat will not dampen the mood too much for Unai Emery's fourth-placed Villa, who head into next season with UEFA Champions League football awaiting.

Selhurst Park erupted after just nine minutes when Michael Olise slipped a delicate pass into the area for Mateta, who blasted a left-footed effort past the helpless Robin Olsen.

Villa responded with a barrage on Palace's goal, but Dean Henderson denied a well-struck Moussa Diaby volley before Marc Guehi cleared Ollie Watkins' looping header on the line.

Glasner's Eagles struck another decisive blow six minutes before the interval as Daniel Munoz swept a low cross for Mateta to slam into the top-left corner from close range.

Olsen stopped Olise from making it 3-0 on the stroke of half-time, with his low curling attempt pushed away by the Villa goalkeeper, who replaced Emiliano Martinez for this final-day meeting.

Yet Olsen had no chance after 54 minutes as Eze danced inside from the left and powered into the bottom-left corner, before the Palace midfielder teed up Mateta to complete his treble with a well-taken finish from the right of goal nine minutes later.

Palace's in-form striker thought he had another to add to his tally moments later but a VAR review ruled the Frenchman offside after racing onto a long pass in behind.

Mateta responded to that VAR decision by setting up Eze to drive another brilliant attempt into the bottom-left corner from the edge of the area after 69 minutes and complete a dominant victory.

Palace excitement builds with Glasner

Prior to this game, Palace had won five of their last six Premier League games (D1), as many as they had in their previous 27 (D8 L14). 

The Eagles smashed Manchester United 4-0 and Wolves 3-1 in their last two games before this victory made it three Premier League wins in a row, while Palace scored 3+ goals in each triumph for the first time in their top-flight history.

Austrian Glasner's next challenge will be to keep up the improvements going into next season, with Palace – boasting quality in the likes of Eze, Mateta and Olise – capable of competing in the top half of the table.

Amazing Emery inspires Villa revival

Villa were only promoted back to the Premier League five years ago, after their Championship play-off final victory over Derby County, but will be preparing for Champions League football next term.

That remarkable rise to compete with Europe's elite can largely be apportioned to Emery, who was appointed in October 2022 after Steven Gerrard was dismissed with Villa struggling at the bottom half of the league table.

The Spaniard, a record four-time winner of the Europa League, has 35 wins in 63 games of his Premier League managerial career with Villa – a record he will hope to continue improving next season.

Unai Emery has his sights set on winning the Premier League or Champions League with Aston Villa after securing a top-four finish earlier this week.

Fifth-place Tottenham's defeat to title-chasing Manchester City on Tuesday meant Villa will play in Europe's premier club competition next season for the first time in 41 years.

Emery's side conclude a memorable season – in which they also reached the Europa Conference League semi-finals – away at Crystal Palace on the final day.

And the Spaniard is already focused on achieving bigger and better things with Villa. 

"It really was amazing when the [Tottenham-Manchester City] match finished," he smiled. "At the beginning of the season, it was really a dream. Of course, we worked hard to try to be there.

"I want to get better, and I have my dreams, and I believe in my dreams. Of course, my objectives are to win the Premier League or the Champions League. We are not contenders, but it is our dream to achieve something like that."

Meanwhile, Palace have enjoyed a strong finish to the season, winning five of their last six games.

The Eagles could seal a top-half finish with a victory – and other results going their way – and Oliver Glasner has urged his players to use that as inspiration at Selhurst Park.

"I'm pleased with the performances we've had," he said. "We want to win. We always focus on what we can influence. If we don't do our job, we don't win, we can't be 10th. It's good motivation at home to say thank you to the fans."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Crystal Palace – Jean-Philippe Mateta

Mateta has scored in each of his last six home Premier League appearances for Palace, netting eight goals along the way. 

He is now aiming to become only the second Frenchman after Thierry Henry to find the net in seven successive Premier League appearances on home soil.

Aston Villa – Ollie Watkins

Watkins has recorded the most assists in the Premier League this season with 13.

Only Ashley Young has ever provided more during a single Premier League campaign for Villa (14 in 2007-08).

MATCH PREDICTION: DRAW

Palace are unbeaten on each of the previous 11 occasions they have finished a top-flight season with a home match (winning seven, drawing four).

By contrast, Villa have only won once in the 25 occasions they have finished a league campaign with an away game (drawn seven, lost 17).

That sole victory came against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 2001-02.

On a brighter note, Villa are unbeaten in their last 10 Premier League away games in London, winning five of their six this term. 

With 16 such points this season, a win or draw here would set a new Premier League record for the most achieved during a single campaign.

Although, you must go back to their title-winning season of 1980-81 for the last time they completed a league double over Palace.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Crystal Palace: 31.8%
Aston Villa: 39.5%
Draw: 28.7