Everton vs Aston Villa Preview & Prediction | 2023-24 English Premier League
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THE FACTS
When is Everton vs Aston Villa on and what time does it start? Everton vs Aston Villa will take place on Sunday 14th January, 2024 – 14:00 (UK)
Where can I get tickets for Everton vs Aston Villa? Visit each club’s official website for the latest ticket information
What TV channel is Everton vs Aston Villa on in the UK? Television rights for the Premier League in the UK are shared between Sky Sports, TNT Sports and Amazon Prime so it is worth checking their schedules for Everton vs Aston Villa
Where can I stream Everton vs Aston Villa in the UK? If Everton vs Aston Villa is televised, then it can be streamed on either Sky Go, discovery+ or Amazon Prime Video depending on who is broadcasting the match
THE LOWDOWN
EVERTON
With no wins in their last five games in all competitions, Sean Dyche's squad finds itself mired in its most challenging stretch since the initial trio of fixtures this season. This winless run followed an impressive four-match winning streak for The Toffees in December. Compounded by their ten-point deduction, they are once again left with the task of evading the relegation zone.
In their latest match, Everton endured a 0-0 draw in the FA Cup at Crystal Palace, a performance marred by Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s harsh sending off whilst notably feeling the absence of midfield energy from Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
ASTON VILLA
Unai Emery's squad has been riding the wave of exceptional form, boasting an impressive recent record with just a solitary defeat in their 13 games in all competitions. Notable triumphs over Man City and Arsenal have elevated Aston Villa to the status of this season's surprise package in the upper echelons of the table.
In their recent FA Cup encounter, Villa managed to secure passage to the next round with a hard-fought victory against Championship side Middlesbrough, courtesy of a deflected strike from Matty Cash. Despite not being the most aesthetically pleasing display, Emery's men once again proved they could grind out results against resilient opposition.
THE TEAM NEWS
EVERTON
Sean Dyche has confirmed that Abdoulaye Doucoure has returned to training this week and the Malian, who has been crucial for The Toffees, is set to be available for the visit of Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon.
Dwight McNeil almost certainly unavailable for this weekend but the injury he is suffering from has 'settled down really quick' after what had appeared to be a serious injury he suffered against Crystal Palace in the FA Cup last week.
PREDICTED XI (4-5-1): Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Garner, Onana, Doucoure, Garner, Harrison; Calvert-Lewin
UNAVAILABLE: Alli (Injured), Gueye (International duty)
QUESTIONABLE: Young (Fitness), McNeil (Injured), Doucoure (Fitness)
ASTON VILLA
In his pre-match press conference, Unai Emery has confirmed that both Pau Torres and Youri Tielemans have returned to first team training this week so could be available for the trip to Goodison Park.
Goalkeeper Robin Olsen is also improving but this weekend appears to be a bit too soon for the Swede to return to the squad, whilst left-back Lucas Digne remains unavailable due to injury.
PREDICTED XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Konsa, Carlos, Lenglet, Moreno; Kamara, Luiz; Bailey, McGinn, Ramsey; Watkins
UNAVAILABLE: Mings (Injured), Digne (Injured), Traore (International duty), Buendia (Injured)
QUESTIONABLE: Olsen (Injured), Torres (Fitness), Tielemans (Fitness)
THE PREDICTION
These two sides have already met twice this season at Villa Park, with Everton securing a commanding 4-0 victory in the EFL Cup, whilst Villa got their revenge with a 3-0 victory in their league encounter.
A stark contrast in form between the two sides adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, as Aston Villa’s exceptional season positions themselves as clear favourites. Despite the Toffees demonstrating increased defensive resilience under the stewardship of Sean Dyche, the challenge of contending with Villa's formidable quality appears daunting.
TIP: ASTON VILLA TO WIN
