Paul Merson predicts result of Everton clash v Aston Villa in new relegation verdict
Everton and Sean Dyche’s winless run in the Premier League will continue against Aston Villa on Saturday 14 September, according to Paul Merson.
The Sky Sports pundit expects the Toffees to make it four league games without a win at the start of the season when they travel to Villa Park, predicting that Unai Emery’s side will run out 3-0 winners.
Although Merson doesn’t believe that the Blues will be able to keep Villa’s attacking talent quiet, he does believe that Dyche’s Toffees will have enough to dodge relegation to the Championship.
Writing for Sportskeeda on Thursday (12 September) he said: “I can’t see anything but a win for Villa here.
“Two weeks ago, Everton were 2-0 up and I thought they were comfortably beating Bournemouth in that game. I couldn’t believe it when they lost 3-2 in the end and it sums up Everton at the moment.
“I still think they’ll avoid relegation this season, but it’s not going to be straightforward and this game is a tough one.
“Villa are a good team. They were unlucky against Arsenal. The problem is when they start the Champions League, where they have some good games to look forward to. So it is important they don’t lose focus in the league and they cannot afford to get distracted this weekend.
“That’s the only challenge for them now, but then again, Everton don’t have enough in them to keep Villa quiet.”
Will Everton lose to Aston Villa at Villa Park?
A trip to Villa Park is exactly what Everton didn’t need after their miserable start to the season. Dyche desperately needs a win to get the supporters back onside and on paper, this appears to be a tough fixture.
Although the Villans haven’t been quite as impeccable as they were last term, they are still a Champions League-level side who have managed to make their home ground a fortress under the management of Emery.
Of course, the Toffees still have a chance and with new signings available, Dyche does have a few more strings to his bow. But the Blues are going to need to be at their best to come away from Villa Park with anything.
While it is too early in the season to suggest that a defeat would make relegation inevitable, a four-game winless run to start the campaign would make for grim reading and only increase the pressure already on Dyche from fans and pundits alike.
Let’s hope Merson’s prediction is wide of the mark.
In other Everton news, John Textor has shared his new Dyche plan at Goodison Park after a takeover development
For more Everton news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.