Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has already been proved right by a prediction he made about new Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard back in July 2020. The two Premier League legends were going up against each other in the Veolia Trophy in France, with Vieira’s Nice side taking on Gerrard’s Glasgow Rangers. At the time of their match, Vieira said he had no doubts that Gerrard would succeed in management, and tipped the Englishman to challenge Celtic all the way in the season ahead.
Patrick Viera said: “I think what Steven has done in the last couple of years shows that he’s about to bring success back to Glasgow Rangers. He has great experience as a player and he’s now building that as a manager. There’s no doubt he will bring success. I think they will get close to Celtic this season and I know that’s Stevie’s target.”
Now that Gerrard has filled the vacant managerial spot at Villa left by Dean Smith, he will be hoping to get off to a good start to life as a Premier League boss. The Midlands side will take on Brighton at Villa Park for their first match under Gerrard’s stewardship before making the trip to south London to face Vieira’s Palace at Selhurst Park.