Villa’s 11-game winning run across all competitions was interrupted by a loss to league leaders Arsenal last week, before Emery’s side bounced back with a convincing win over Nottingham Forest at the weekend.
Palace will be a huge test
Despite their fine form, Villa are winless across their last six matches against Palace and will face a tough test this Wednesday. Emery first spoke on the Eagles, who he admits he respects greatly.
“It’s the team that’s always performing very well against us. Overall, they are performing fantastic.
“Last year, they got the trophies, and their structure is really strong. Their tactical shape is fantastic – how they are performing, how they are feeling confident and comfortable to play against every team.
“Against us, they have performed fantastic, and they beat us. It’s a challenge. We are in good form, but we know the difficulties.
“Tomorrow, we will face them getting a challenge for ourselves, respecting them, respecting the coach, respecting the players, how we are, and trying to get our best.”
How will Villa setup?
Villa are level on points with Manchester City on 42 points in the Premier League rankings, six points adrift of the Gunners in first. Emery has transformed his team this season and questions next turned to how he could set up his side against manager Oliver Glasner who knows how to get the better of him.
“We are going to play with the players we have, competing and adapting to them, because this is a team that normally you need to adapt to.
“Their structure tactically is strong, and they have good players, good positioning – it’s different. We must adapt to them and compete, firstly, thinking about how we can stop them and how we can dominate and to adapt our structure and shape, imposing.
“Individually, the duels tomorrow will be very, very important.”
Team news
Next, Emery provided some team news as he prepares to name his line up against a Palace side who have picked up just two wins across 10 top-flight Selhurst Park matches so far.
"We are training now after the press conference, and we will see how they are coping, the players, after the match we played on Saturday.
"Tyrone (Mings) and Pau (Torres), they are close.
"Not Amadou Onana, but we have enough players. After training, we are going to decide with someone is close like Pau and Tyrone."