Everton's start to the season has been nothing short of calamitous, but things are unlikely to get any easier for the Toffees as they travel to Villa Park.
Aston Villa vs Everton Preview
With the Champions League right around the corner, can Aston Villa build on their solid start to the season? So far, Unai Emery's team have won two of three Premier League matches, beating both West Ham and Leicester 2-1 on the road, with a hard-fought 2-0 defeat at home to Arsenal in-between the only sour note thus far.
Nevertheless, the Claret and Blue Army have emphasised that they're likely to be competitive again this season although, from now, their calendar is going to get more hectic, with a trip to BSC Young Boys on Tuesday commencing their first European Cup campaign in over four decades. Before then, most expect Villa to pick up three points here.
That is, thanks in part, due to the fact that Everton are currently rock bottom of the table, yet to get off the mark.
Sean Dyche's team were smashed 3-0 by Brighton and then 4-0 at Tottenham to commence the campaign, before being seemingly set to beat Bournemouth at home, 2-0 up and cruising, only to concede in the 87th minute and then twice in stoppage time, thereby suffering an almighty collapse.
This means, for a second successive season, the Blues have started with three successive defeats; they haven't lost their first four league matches of any campaign since 1958, when they began with six straight defeats.
Points deductions aside, Everton would have finished 12th last season, level with Brighton and Bournemouth, but now relegation in their final year at Goodison is a serious possibility.
The Toffees haven't won any of their last five league visits to Villa Park, losing four of them, with most traveling supporters fearing they'll have to endure more of the same.
Aston Villa vs Everton Head-to-Head Record
- Matches Played: 231
- Aston Villa Wins: 87. Draws: 61. Everton Wins: 83.
Aston Villa vs Everton: Last 5 Meetings
- 14 January 2024 - Everton 0-0 Aston Villa
- 27 September 2023 - Aston Villa 1-2 Everton (EFL Cup)
- 20 August 2023 - Aston Villa 4-0 Everton
- 25 February 2023 - Everton 0-2 Aston Villa
- 13 August 2022 - Aston Villa 2-1 Everton
Aston Villa Team News
Ollie Watkins, who hadn't been at his sharpest during the first three games, withdrew from international duty so, after a much-needed rest, is likely to start this one.
At right-back, with Matty Cash still likely to be sidelined, 20 year Lamare Bogarde could continue to deputise, as he did at Leicester, while teenager Kosta Nedeljković is the alternative.
Emi Buendía has been an unused substitute in all three Premier League matches so far, hoping to make his first appearance since May 2023 due to a ruptured ACL, although he did feature for the U21s in the EFL Trophy last week, scoring twice during a 3-2 win at Fleetwood Town.
Aston Villa predicted lineup vs Everton: (4-2-2-2): Martínez; Bogarde, Konsa, Torres, Digne; Onana, Tielemans, McGinn, Bailey; Rogers, Watkins.
Aston Villa Player to Watch vs Everton
Jhon Durán has come off the bench to score the winner at both West Ham and Leicester, keeping up his remarkable scoring rate in the Premier League; his seven goals in the competition have been scored in only 609 minutes, thereby averaging a goal every 87 minutes.
The Colombian was on target during a 4-0 demolition of Everton just over a year ago, so he'll be fancying his chances of repeating that feat even if, once again, his minutes are limited.
Everton Team News
Jarrad Branthwaite remains sidelined following groin surgery, but new signing Jake O'Brien could come into the defence, displacing Michael Keane.
In attack, Iliman Ndiaye has impressed so far, scoring against Doncaster in the EFL Cup, while deadline day arrival Armando Broja will not be able to debut just yet due to injury.
Everton predicted lineup vs Aston Villa: (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Coleman, O'Brein, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Gana Gueye, Iroegbunam, Doucouré, McNeil, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin.
Everton Players to Watch vs Aston Villa
Tim Iroegbunam will come up against the team he's just left here. The 21 year old has impressed at the base of midfield since moving to Everton, so will be hoping to showcase to the Villa faithful what they missed out on, after he was limited to only 15 appearances, totalling 288 minutes, last season.
Aston Villa vs Everton Prediction
A comfortable Aston Villa victory seems very likely here. We're backing Emi Martínez to keep his first clean sheet of the season, while we're forecasting that the home side will establish an early advantage before taking their foot off the gas, with Tuesday's historic trip to Bern in mind: Aston Villa 2-0 Everton.
Aston Villa vs Everton FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Aston Villa vs Everton Premier League game on TV channel?
Aston Villa vs Everton Premier League game will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League
- USA: USA Network and Universo
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
How to watch Aston Villa vs Everton Premier League game on live streaming?
Aston Villa vs Everton Premier League game will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Sky Go app
- USA: NBC.com, Fubo, and Sling TV.
- Canada: FuboTV, Peacock Premium
What is the date and kick-off time for Aston Villa vs Everton in the Premier League?
Aston Villa vs Everton takes place on Saturday 14 September 2024, with kick off at 17:30 (BST), 12:30 (ET) & 9:30 (PDT).