Patrick Vieira and Steven Gerrard locking horns in central midfield was a highlight of many a Premier League and cup encounter 15 to 20 years ago, not to mention a particularly gruelling group game at Euro 2004, but now there is the somewhat safer distance between the managers’ technical areas to separate them. Their aggressive personalities on the pitch are at odds with their calmer demeanours now but their desire to succeed has not diminished. Gerrard is four years Vieira’s junior but arguably has the edge in managerial experience – certainly in trophies. It is of course all about what their players can do for them now but there may be times on Saturday afternoon – or maybe the whole game – when those of a certain age wish Gerrard and Vieira were still doing battle on the pitch. Conrad Leach
Saturday 3pm
Venue Selhurst Park
Last season Crystal Palace 3 Aston Villa 2
Referee Michael Salisbury
This season n/a
Odds H 5-4 A 27-11 D 27-11
CRYSTAL PALACE
Subs from Butland, Kelly, Clyne, Tomkins, Riedewald, Banks, Hannam, Street, Rak-Sakyi, Mateta, Schlupp, Ayew, Olise, Eze
Doubtful None
Injured McArthur (hamstring, unknown), Ferguson (achilles, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y22 R0
Form DDDWWD
Leading scorers Benteke, Gallagher, Zaha 4
ASTON VILLA
Subs from Steer, Archer, El Ghazi, Traoré, Young, Hause, Bogarde, Douglas Luiz, Tuanzebe, Bailey, Chukwuemeka, Sanson
Doubtful Douglas Luiz (hamstring)
Injured Trezeguet (knee, unknown)
Suspended None
Discipline Y28 R1
Form LLLLLW
Leading scorer Ings 3
