Crystal Palace news: Opinion – Eagles battle is ‘internal’ before FA Cup semi-final

Like Nottingham Forest versus Manchester City, Crystal Palace against Aston Villa is an FA Cup semi-final of contrasting styles.

Palace do not necessarily keep a lot of possession, but they have got the ability to attack at high speed.

The Eagles’ supporters – and Villa’s – do not get the chance to travel to Wembley all the time for big cup matches, so it will be a a huge occasion for both clubs.

Up until two or three weeks ago, Palace looked like one of the most solid teams in the Premier League.

All of a sudden, they get hit for five – two weeks in a row.

So, that has not only cast doubt over how we perceive them from the outside, but there will be players in the team who probably are not as comfortable as they were a fortnight ago. Maybe there are hints of doubt.

It is really tough to call, but it might be one of those games dictated by that first goal, because the two styles of play are not that similar.

However, the desire and the drive to try to win that game to get in the final is going to be enormous.

Palace beat Villa comfortably 4-1 at home in February so they will have a belief that they can go and do it again.

They will not fear Unai Emery’s side. The biggest challenge is internal because they have never won a major trophy.

It is such a big occasion and I think that makes it a really interesting game.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport’s Nat Hayward