Everton vs Aston Villa Preview
- Draw or Villa win
- Over 2.5 goals
Everton host Aston Villa at Goodison Park in a pivotal Premier League clash, with the Toffees welcoming back former manager David Moyes for his first league match in charge since his return.
Villa, meanwhile, will aim to extend their dominance over Everton while addressing their own away-day woes.
Everton: Moyes Returns to Revive Struggling Toffees
David Moyes returns to Everton after a 12-year absence, tasked with revitalising a team teetering just above the relegation zone.
Everton have struggled for goals, failing to score in eight of their last ten league matches (W1, D5, L4). Moyes’ immediate challenge will be to instil defensive solidity and unlock a misfiring attack.
Everton’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Peterborough United showcased some promise, with Beto scoring his second goal in three starts.
With injuries potentially sidelining Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Armando Broja, and Youssef Chermiti, Beto will be key to Everton’s chances. Moyes will also need to inspire a midfield that has been inconsistent in providing support to the forwards.
Key Player to Watch
Beto: The Portuguese striker has shown glimpses of his potential and will be vital in breaking down Villa’s defence.
Aston Villa: Strong Form but Away Troubles Persist
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa arrive on Merseyside in good form, having lost just once in their last five competitive games (W3, D1). However, Villa’s away struggles are glaring, with five consecutive away league defeats and no clean sheets on the road in their last 11 matches.
Despite these issues, Villa have dominated recent meetings with Everton, avoiding defeat in their last 11 Premier League encounters (W8, D3).
Ross Barkley, a former Everton player, has been a thorn in the Toffees’ side, contributing to Villa’s 3-2 victory in September’s reverse fixture.
Key Player to Watch
Ross Barkley: The former Everton midfielder has an excellent record against his old club and could be pivotal in midfield battles and creating scoring opportunities.
Head-to-Head Record
- Aston Villa are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League meetings with Everton (W8, D3).
- Villa have kept a clean sheet in each of their last three visits to Goodison Park.
- The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Villa edge Everton 3-2.
Tactical Insights and Key Battles
Everton’s Attack vs Villa’s Defence
Everton’s inability to score consistently has been a major issue, and with Villa’s leaky away defence, this could be an area for Moyes to exploit. Set-pieces, where Tarkowski and Branthwaite can threaten, might be key for the hosts.
Villa’s Counterattacks
With pacey attackers like Ollie Watkins and Moussa Diaby, Villa are well-equipped to exploit any gaps left by Everton’s defensive setup. Everton’s midfield must track Villa’s runs to avoid being caught out.
Midfield Duel
The midfield battle between Doucouré and Barkley will be pivotal. Everton’s midfielders must not only break up play, but also contribute creatively to support Beto.
Prediction: A Tight Encounter
David Moyes’ return could galvanise Everton, but Villa’s superior record in this fixture and their attacking firepower make them slight favourites. Expect a close game, with both teams likely to score.
Predicted Score: Everton 1-2 Aston Villa
Final Thoughts
This match could set the tone for Everton’s survival campaign under Moyes, while Villa aim to address their away form and consolidate their position in the league. With contrasting fortunes and intriguing subplots, this clash at Goodison Park promises to be an engaging affair.
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Everton v Aston Villa, 2024/25 | Premier League