Everton will host Aston Villa at Goodison Park this Wednesday evening in what promises to be a pivotal match for both teams. With Everton under new management and Aston Villa juggling the demands of domestic and European competitions, all eyes are set on this high-stakes Premier League encounter.
After parting ways with Sean Dyche, Everton has turned to a familiar face in David Moyes. The experienced manager, returning to the club he served for over a decade, faces the challenging task of lifting Everton from their precarious position just above the relegation zone. Moyes’ immediate focus will be to reignite a squad that has struggled for consistency, aiming to convert their potential into crucial points.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa has endured a turbulent domestic season, influenced by their return to Champions League football. While their European performances have impressed, their league form has dipped, leaving them outside the top half of the table. Despite this inconsistency, Unai Emery’s side showcased their resilience by defeating West Ham to secure a spot in the FA Cup fourth round.
Match Details:
- Location: Goodison Park, Liverpool, England
- Date: Wednesday, January 15
- Kick-off Time: 19:30 GMT / 14:30 ET / 11:30 PT
Form Guide:
Everton enters this game with mixed recent results. While their FA Cup victory over Peterborough offered a morale boost, league performances have left much to be desired. On the other hand, Aston Villa, though inconsistent, has managed some important wins, including a hard-fought FA Cup triumph.
Key Team News:
David Moyes is unlikely to implement drastic changes for his debut game back at Goodison. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to return to the starting lineup, offering a much-needed boost in attack. However, Dwight McNeil and Armando Broja are sidelined due to injuries, with the latter likely out for the foreseeable future. James Garner could make his long-awaited return after recovering from a back issue.
Aston Villa welcomes Jhon Duran’s return from suspension, though Ollie Watkins is expected to lead the attack. Leon Bailey’s resurgence continues as he steps in for the injured John McGinn. The defensive lineup remains solid despite injuries to Pau Torres and the uncertainty surrounding Diego Carlos.
Predicted Lineups:
Everton (4-5-1): Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Lindstrom, Gueye, Mangala, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin.
Aston Villa (4-3-3): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Onana, Tielemans; Bailey, Watkins, Rogers.
Score Prediction:
David Moyes’ return is set to galvanize Everton, with Goodison Park likely buzzing with anticipation. Aston Villa’s struggles on the road add to the hosts’ advantage. Expect Everton to edge a closely contested match.
Prediction: Everton 1-0 Aston Villa
