Kevin Campbell predicts Everton will draw in clash v Aston Villa
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Kevin Campbell predicts that Everton might have to settle for a draw when they travel to face Aston Villa on Thursday.
The Toffees are set to take on Dean Smith’s side at Villa Park just 13 days after playing them at Goodison Park, with their previously scheduled fixture having been moved due to Villa’s COVID-19 issues in January.
Villa came out on top on in the clash on Merseyside, winning 2-1 through goals from Ollie Watkins and Anwar El Ghazi, though the Midlands outfit will now be without the former.
Watkins was sent off against Manchester United last weekend after receiving two yellow cards, however Campbell doesn’t see the striker’s absence making Everton’s task any easier.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Campbell said: “Obviously Ollie Watkins got sent off, but it’s going to be a difficult game no matter what.
“Aston Villa are a decent side, obviously Manchester United sorted them out at the weekend and Everton are coming off the back of a win in London, but when you have to perform sometimes Everton fail.
“This is their Achilles’ heel, and if they’re going to get over the line they have to produce again. I can see this one being a draw to be honest, because Villa can defend probably and so can Everton.
“1-1 or 0-0, I think it’ll be level.”
After beating West Ham at the weekend Everton gave themselves an opportunity to qualify for Europe, but they can’t afford to slip up against Aston Villa.
Smith has turned Villa into a well-oiled team this season and it will take determination and focus to overcome the threat they pose, particularly if Jack Grealish is selected to play.
Everton have quality and they need to use it well if they want to come out on top.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are reportedly willing to shell out £21m for 24y/o defender open to Everton switch.
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