Paul Merson predicts result of ‘devastating’ Everton showdown v Aston Villa
Paul Merson has predicted that Everton will extend their winless run to six matches in all competitions when they face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday 14 January.
The Sky Sports pundit doesn’t believe that Sean Dyche’s side will be able to build upon their FA Cup draw with Crystal Palace when they welcome Unai Emery’s side to Goodison Park but does believe they’ll claim a point, predicting it will be a 2-2 draw.
Aston Villa currently sit second in the Premier League and a win against the Toffees would see them draw level with Liverpool in first. Merson believes their “devastating” ability on the counterattack could cause Everton some problems.
Writing for Sportskeeda (11 January) he said: “This is a massive football match as Aston Villa could go joint-top with Liverpool if they win, while Everton are still in trouble in terms of the relegation battle and in desperate need of points.
“Sean Dyche and Co. need to make it count at home and usually, Everton are solid in front of their own fans and teams don’t like going to Goodison Park.
“The big advantage for Aston Villa is that Everton might look to start on the front foot and go at them, which could play into their hands as Unai Emery’s side are devastating on the counterattack.
“In recent weeks, teams have sat back and made it hard for Villa, but they have a lot of quality in their side. I don’t think they will be in the title race in a month or so as the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal will prove to be too good for them.
“But if they can keep chipping away with points, they could finish in the top four and that will go down as a monumental achievement.”
Need to win at home
It has almost happened in the background, but quite quickly Everton have found themselves well and truly back in the relegation battle at the bottom of the Premier League. The Toffees are only one point above 18th-placed Luton Town, who have a game in hand.
While Everton’s form at the start of December saw them climb out of the bottom three, they cannot afford to put their feet up and rest now. They need 2024 in the Premier League with all three points against Emery’s Villa side.
Aston Villa have been impressive this season and beating them will be no easy task, but if Dyche’s team can take points off one of the Premier League’s surprise packages, it would be a huge result, even if they can only draw.
Hopefully, Everton can match if not better Merson’s prediction and ease those relegation fears. If the Toffees want a comfortable second half of the season, they’ll have to make Goodison Park a fortress again.
In other Everton news, Dharmesh Sheth has dropped a new update on the Toffees midfield transfer targets this January