Villa are now without a win in four in a run which has been plagued by a mixture of ill-discipline and some questionable refereeing decisions. Their visitors this weekend, however, are without a win in 7.
The main focus ahead of this game will be towards the visitors dugout though, where Alan Pardew is expected to take charge of the Eagles following his move south from Newcastle.
Both sides have defended well for the most part this season but lacked end product and the home fans may have to endure another low-scoring affair to kick off the New Year.