Saikat Mandal

Fri 24 February 2023 13:31, UK

Joleon Lescott has predicted that Everton and Aston Villa will share the spoils when the two sides meet each other in the Premier League on Saturday (25 February) at Goodison Park.

The former Toffees defender admits that Sean Dyche will be “confident” after making a positive impact. The Toffees have picked up two wins already in his first three games in charge.

Villa has done well under Unai Emery so far but they have lost three games in a row. Still, Lescott picks them as “narrow favourites” for this game.

“Two teams that have seen new managers make a positive impact meet here, so both have good reason to be confident,” said Lescott to LiveScore.

“Unai Emery admitted he has a few concerns over his defence when teams really go after them, though I don’t see Everton taking that kind of approach.

“Villa would probably be narrow favourites but I’ll go for a draw given it’s at Goodison Park. Prediction: Everton 1-1 Aston Villa.”

Huge game

Everton have been very poor away from home all season, and it’s their home form that could determine their fate in the Premier League.

The Toffees moved out of the drop zone after they won 1-0 against Leeds United in their previous game, with Seamus Coleman scoring a rare goal for the Toffees.

They now face another massive game, and the Toffees should fancy their chances here. Villa have managed just one win in their last five Premier League games, losing three of them, and Everton can look to inflict more damage.

Everton players express themselves better at Goodison Park, in front of their home fans. The electrifying atmosphere at Goodison brings the best out of the players, but Dyche definitely deserves credit for the impact he has made in a short time.

Dyche could be facing a selection headache for this game if Amadou Onana is ruled out.

The Belgian midfielder picked up a knee injury against Leeds, and he remains doubtful. Tom Davies could come in for him, while James Garner remains another option for the Toffees boss.