Everton vs Aston Villa: Preview, Team News, Lineups, H2H, Prediction, Odds and Telecast

Everton vs Aston Villa Preview

Relegation-threatened Everton will be hosting high-flying Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Sunday in a clash of two teams battling it out on different ends of the Premier League table.

Sean Dyche’s Everton were slapped with a 10-point deduction for breaching the league’s profitability and sustainability rules earlier this season, which took them from 14 points to four and drop from 14th to 19th in the table. However, they have bounced back from the punishment in some style, registering four straight wins in early December to climb out of the relegation zone with 16 points from their 20 games. Since then, however, the Toffees have faced a downturn in form, losing their last three league games on the bounce.

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, on the other hand, are nearly 20 points better off than they were at the same stage last season. Their incredible run has seen them rise to second place with an impressive 42 points from 20 games. They have won four of their last six games in the Premier League, including 1-0 wins over Manchester City and Arsenal in December. Their last game was a hard-fought 3-2 win over Burnley as Douglas Luiz’s last-gasp penalty took them over the finish line.

Everton vs Aston Villa Team News

Everton

The Toffees are likely to be without Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who was sent off under controversial circumstances in Everton’s goalless draw against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup. The club has appealed the card but a decision has yet to be made by the FA.

Idrissa Gana Gueye remains absent due to national duties for Senegal at the African Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, Dwight McNeil, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and Ashley Young could return from injury layoffs.

Aston Villa

Bertrand Traore is away at the AFCON representing Burkina Faso and will miss out. Long-term injuries to defender Tyrone Mings and forward Emi Buendia mean they are unlikely to return in the next couple of weeks.

Lucas Digne, Pau Torres, and Youri Tielemans could return sooner, with Digne set to return as early as the end of January.

Also Read: Newcastle vs Man City: Preview, Team News, Lineups, H2H, Prediction, Odds, Telecast.

Everton vs Aston Villa Probable Lineups

Everton

• Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford.
• Defenders: Nathan Patterson, James Tarkowski (Captain), Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko.
• Midfielders: Amadou Onana, James Garner, Dwight McNeil, Jack Harrison.
• Forwards: Arnaut Danjuma, Beto.

Aston Villa

• Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez.
• Defenders: Ezri Konsa, Diego Carlos, Clement Lenglet, Alex Moreno.
• Midfielders: John McGinn, Douglas Luiz, Boubacar Kamara, Leon Bailey.
• Forwards: Ollie Watkins, Moussa Diaby

Everton vs Aston Villa Head-to-Head & Prediction

Aston Villa have a great head-to-head record against Everton, winning six of their last seven Premier League meetings against the Merseysiders. During that period, they have scored 14 goals against the Toffees and have conceded a remarkably low two goals.

The last time Everton picked up a point against Villa was back in May 2021 when the two teams played out a goalless draw at Villa Park. Meanwhile, the last time the Toffees defeated Villa in the Premier League was back in March 2016 in a 3-1 away win.

The current form suggests Aston Villa will win this game comfortably. However, Everton’s resurgent form under Sean Dyche has seen them gain confidence in front of goal and they should pose a threat in the final third.

Prediction: Everton 1-2 Aston Villa.

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Everton vs Aston Villa Betting Tips & Odds

Tips

• Aston Villa to win
• Both teams to score: Yes
• Over 2.5 goals: Yes

Odds

• Everton win: 3.00
• Draw: 3.65
• Aston Villa win: 2.45

Top Players to Watch

Everton

Jordan Pickford has been a busy customer between the sticks for the Toffees this season, especially in their last few games where they had their backs against the wall. The England international will likely face several shots on goal and will be expected to put in a big performance.

Aston Villa

Moussa Diaby has been a revelation in the Premier League since joining from Bayer Leverkusen in June, playing a key role in helping Aston Villa get to where they are currently. He has also chipped in with four goals and six assists so far and could be vital to their hopes of Champions League qualification for next season.

Everton vs Aston Villa Timings & Telecast

• Date: Sunday, 14^th January (7:30 PM IST).
• India: Star Sports Select, Hotstar app and website.
• UK: TNT Sports app.