England Premier League
Sunday 14th January 2024
Kick off at 2pm GMT
Venue: Goodison Park
Match Preview:
It was looking so good for Everton in November and much of December and despite being handed a 10 point fine for breaking FFP rules Everton have clawed themselves out of the bottom three and looked to be sitting pretty. Sean Dyche’s side had won 4 games in a row the problem is that the bottom three clubs started to pick up form. At that point Everton lost their next 3 games and here we are with the club in 17th place with only goal difference separating them from the bottom three. This is another huge game for Everton who could go into 16th place but it is becoming tight down there and there is no denying that the club have slipped up once more and their season is far from safe. Everton’s last game ended in a 3-0 limp away defeat against Wolves and in the FA Cup they managed a 0-0 draw away to Crystal Palace and will play the replay next week.
Aston Villa have been superb this season and come into this game with a healthy 42 points and are just three behind the league leaders Liverpool. Perhaps there have been a few concerns of late with a loss against Manchester United and two points dropped against Sheffield United but Unai Emery’s side bounced back in their last game with victory over Burnley. Away form has seen 4 wins from 10 but also four defeats and with the loss over Manchester United Villa have lost their latest away game although let’s not forget that they were 2-0 up in that game. In the FA Cup Villa managed a 1-0 win away against Middlesbrough to advance to the fourth round.
Team News:
Everton: Idrissa Gueye is on international duty, Abdoulaye Doucoure will be assessed following his hamstring injury. Dwight McNeil is not expected back until the end of the month due to an ankle injury, Ashley Young won’t return for at least two weeks due to a muscle injury. Dele Alli remains out with a hip injury.
Aston Villa: Bertrand Traore is on international duty. Lucas Digne is out until the end of the month with a hamstring injury. Emiliano Buendia is out for another 3 weeks at least due to his ongoing knee injury. Youri Tielemans could return from a calf injury and will be assessed. Pau Torres has a good chance to return for this one and Tyrone Mings remains sidelined with a knee injury with no fixed return date.
Everton vs Aston Villa Head to Head:
Last season Aston Villa won this fixture 2-0.
Aston Villa have won 5 of the last six meetings.
Everton have not managed to beat Aston Villa at Goodison in the league in 8 years.
Everton vs Aston Villa Prediction:
Everton need to get back and focus on their football and they would have been boosted by the fact that Luton did not beat Burnley last Friday, it means the Toffees have a chance to put some breathing space between themselves and the drop. Everton have had some tough fixtures lately, having to face Tottenham and Manchester City and this is another tough one.
Aston Villa will battle but it is true that they don’t look quite as strong as they did a month ago. However Villa will need to stay in the mix plus they have an excellent recent record over their opponents. They are great value to win and we think that they can do this. Everton look in a spin right now and this could be a good time to face the Toffees. The good news for the home side is that striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin will be available after he was sent off in the FA Cup game against Crystal Palace, and he was set to miss the next 3 games. The ruling was harsh and this has been overturned. He remains a huge figure for Everton and will have his chances at the weekend.
Everton vs Aston Villa Betting Tips:
Draw no bet (Aston Villa) at 1.77
Anytime goalscorer: Ollie Watkins at 2.50
Anytime goalscorer: Dominic Calvert-Lewin at 3.00
Both teams to score at 1.57
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