Everton receive boost as Watkins ruled out of clash v Aston Villa
Everton have received a boost ahead of facing Aston Villa on Thursday with striker Ollie Watkins set to miss his first Premier League game of the season.
The 25-year old forward was sent off in the dying moments of Villa’s loss to Manchester United on Sunday, having been handed a second yellow card for simulation.
Dean Smith will now be without the man who scored the opening goal for the Villans against Everton earlier this month, with back-up Keinan Davis likely to deputise.
Watkins has been to Aston Villa what Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been to the Blues this season, topping the Midlands club’s goalscoring chart with 13 in the Premier League.
Davis on the other hand has scored just once in the league, while Villa’s other forward option Wesley Moraes has just returned to fitness following a year-long injury lay-off.
Everton were defensively resolute in their game agains West Ham on Sunday, keeping a clean sheet at the London Stadium, and they’ll hope to carry that form into the game at Villa Park later this week.
Every advantage counts
It is fair to say that Watkins’ absence for Aston Villa on Thursday will present Everton with a huge advantage, with Villa’s attacking plays almost always flowing through the former Brentford hit-man.
Davis is set to deputise in his stead, and the 23-year is unmistakable a very different player to Watkins. Described by Birmingham Mail as a “bullish” forward who relies on his “strength and power” to make an impact, Davis will offer Everton a different challenge.
Davis doesn’t have the same amount of pace as Watkins, and as such Villa will play an entirely different game to suit the young forward. Everton will do their homework, and Yerry Mina will likely be turned to as someone who can match his physicality.
Recently described by Villa boss Dean Smith as an ‘outstanding‘ forward, Watkins has really impressed in his debut season in the Premier League and his absence should further boost Everton’s chances of reaching their European target in the remaining fixtures.
In other Everton news, Blues eye ‘Transformed’ PL dribbling sensation, Ancelotti is a ‘big fan’.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.