Everton welcomes Aston Villa to Goodison Park this Wednesday in a clash that promises thrills and suspense. With David Moyes returning to take charge of the Toffees, expectations are high as fans hope for a revival in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Aston Villa, weighed down by their Champions League commitments, will look to steady their inconsistent domestic form.
David Moyes is back at Goodison Park, and his return couldn’t have come at a better time. Everton has been teetering on the edge of relegation, sitting 16th in the Premier League table with just a point keeping them above the drop zone.
This game marks Moyes’ first match since replacing Sean Dyche, whose tenure ended abruptly last week. The Scotsman, who managed Everton for over a decade before leaving for Manchester United in 2013, is tasked with reigniting a squad that has struggled for consistency.
Moyes’s experience and deep understanding of the club could give Everton the stability they desperately need. While fans may harbor mixed feelings about his past departure, the majority are ready to rally behind him. Expect the Goodison faithful to create an electric atmosphere on Wednesday night.
Aston Villa: Champions League Glory, Domestic Woes
Aston Villa’s return to the Champions League has been a double-edged sword. While their European performances have impressed, their domestic form has taken a hit. Currently, they’ve won fewer than 50% of their Premier League games, making consistency a challenge for Unai Emery’s side.
Despite their struggles, Villa comes into this match with some momentum after defeating West Ham in the FA Cup. Their away form, however, has been a concern. The Villans have lost five of their nine away league games this season, ranking 14th in terms of away performance. This vulnerability could make them susceptible to an upset at Goodison.
Key Team News
Everton
Moyes is unlikely to make drastic changes in his first game back, but some key players are set to return. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to lead the line after missing the FA Cup win over Peterborough. James Garner could also make his comeback from a back injury after three months out, offering a boost to Everton’s midfield.
However, the Toffees will be without Dwight McNeil, who remains sidelined with a knee injury, and Armando Broja, who suffered a devastating knee injury last week. Tim Iroegbunam is also unavailable.
Predicted lineup (4-5-1): Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Lindstrom, Gueye, Mangala, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin.
Aston Villa
Villa’s lineup will see Jhon Duran return after serving a three-match suspension, but Ollie Watkins is likely to retain his starting spot. Leon Bailey is expected to feature prominently in John McGinn’s absence, while Tyrone Mings partners Ezri Konsa in defense.
Pau Torres and Ross Barkley are out due to injuries, and Diego Carlos remains a doubt. Emery will be counting on his midfield trio to provide balance against an energized Everton.
Predicted lineup (4-3-3): Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Onana, Tielemans; Bailey, Watkins, Rogers.
ALSO READ:
- Arsenal vs Tottenham: Preview, predictions and lineups
- Arsenal Closing in on £51M Deal for Martin Zubimendi to Strengthen Midfield
What to Expect: Everton vs Aston Villa
Moyes’ return to Goodison is expected to galvanize Everton, at least in the short term. While the Scotsman may not overhaul the team’s tactics immediately, his ability to motivate and organize will be crucial. Everton has shown resilience against stronger teams this season, including a draw against Manchester City, and they could grind out another positive result here.
For Villa, their focus will be on maintaining possession and exploiting spaces in Everton’s defense. However, their inconsistency away from home could prove costly. Emery’s side needs to stay sharp and avoid falling into the trap of complacency against a revitalized opponent.
Score Prediction: Everton 1-0 Aston Villa
This game feels like a potential turning point for Everton. Moyes’s presence should inspire a focused and disciplined performance from his players, and the home crowd will undoubtedly play their part. Villa’s struggles on the road and their busy schedule might give Everton the edge.
For fans in the UK, the match will be broadcast on TNT Sports 2, discovery+, and the discovery+ app. Viewers in the US can catch the game on fuboTV, NBC Sports App, and UNIVERSO NOW. Canadian audiences can tune in via fuboTV Canada or Fubo Sports Network 3 Canada.
The return of David Moyes to Everton has injected new life into a struggling side. While it’s too early to expect a complete transformation, this match against Aston Villa presents an excellent opportunity for the Toffees to start climbing the Premier League table. Can Moyes begin his second stint with a statement victory, or will Villa spoil the party? Wednesday night holds the answer.
