Preview: Everton v Aston Villa – prediction, lineups, team news
David Moyes will take charge of his first game as Everton manager since since his return with a clash against Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Wednesday.
Moyes has already made a positive impact at Everton and will no doubt be looking to carry that influence into the clash against Unai Emery’s side on 15 January.
A 1-0 defeat away to Bournemouth proved to be the final straw for Sean Dyche, who has left Moyes a serious task to be had in an attempt to turn the Toffees’ fortunes around.
Preview
Everton have endured a horrid season to date but the hopes will be that Moyes can mastermind the revival and steer them clear from relegation.
As its stands, the Toffees sit just one point above the drop zone, with performances doing little to provide any sense of optimism on Merseyside.
The Merseysiders have won just one of their last 11 Premier League encounters and will face an Aston Villa side looking to achieve Champions League qualification again.
As for the Villans, they sit just four points outside of the top four, unbeaten in their last three.
Everton have failed to beat Aston Villa in the Premier League since March 2016.
Form Guide (Premier League)
Everton: DDDLL
Aston Villa: LWLDW
Head-To-Head (Premier League)
Aston Villa 3-2 Everton (September 2024)
Everton 0-0 Aston Villa (January 2024)
Aston Villa 4-0 Everton (August 2023)
Everton 0-2 Aston Villa (February 2023)
Aston Villa 2-1 Everton (August 2022)
Team News
Dwight McNeil and Armando Broja could both miss Wednesday’s encounter (15 January), with the latter set to undergo a scan to determine the severity of his injury concern.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to be fit for the clash amid speculation over his immediate future, while James Garner could also make a return to the matchday squad .
Tim Iroegbunam remains a doubt.
As for the visitors, Jhon Duran will be available for the game having served his suspension but Ross Barkley will miss the chance to face his former club.
Pau Torres is a confirmed absentee while Diego Carlos is also a doubt.
Predicted lineups
Everton: Pickford, Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Mangala, Gueye, Doucoure, Ndiaye, Lindstrom, Calvert-Lewin
Aston Villa: Martinez, Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne, Kamara, Onana, Tielemans, Bailey, Duran, Rogers
Where to watch?
The Toffees’ clash with Villa will be broadcast live on TNT Sports, with the game scheduled to kick off at 7:30 pm GMT.
Prediction – Everton 1-1 Aston Villa
Aston Villa have been in good form for the large part of the season, while the Toffees have looked pretty hopeless.
While Moyes will provide a lift, it’s hard to see it being a big enough one to overcome a side chasing Champions League qualification.
A point for Everton would be a decent outcome with all things considered, although Moyes will undoubtedly be keen to kickstart his tenure with a win.
In other Everton news, finance expert Stefan Borson has slammed the Premier League over the Toffees’ case.
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