As the Premier League action resumes after the international break, Aston Villa will host Everton at Villa Park this Saturday. Both teams are in need of momentum, but for vastly different reasons.

Villa will be looking to climb higher in the table, while Everton are desperate for their first points of the season. Kickoff is set for 5:30 PM UK time, with live coverage on Sky Sports.

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A preview of the match

Aston Villa have had a mixed start to the 2024-25 season. After suffering a loss to Arsenal, they bounced back with two hard-fought victories. Despite their success, questions remain over their defensive frailties, as seen in moments of vulnerability against weaker opposition.

Under Unai Emery, Villa has developed an attacking style, but they’ll need to tighten up at the back if they want to push further up the table. Ollie Watkins, still regaining match fitness, is likely to play a key role upfront, with the support of players like John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey adding creativity from midfield​.

For Everton, the season has been nothing short of a nightmare. Three matches, three losses, and zero points leave Sean Dyche’s side in a precarious position at the foot of the table. Their most recent setback came in a dramatic collapse against Bournemouth, where they squandered a two-goal lead.

The Toffees’ problems stem from a lack of cutting edge in attack and a defense that has struggled to maintain consistency. Dominic Calvert-Lewin will again be tasked with leading the line, but without sufficient support, Everton’s hopes may rest on moments of individual brilliance​(

Team News

Aston Villa’s injury list remains a concern, but there’s good news in the return of key players. Ezri Konsa is fit to play, while Watkins, though not fully fit, is expected to start. Leon Bailey and Boubacar Kamara are doubts, and their absence could force Villa into some tactical adjustments. McGinn may move to the wing to cover, with Jacob Ramsey likely to return to the starting XI​(

Everton will be without several important players as well. Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson are back in training but not expected to feature. Additionally, Seamus Coleman could miss out due to a knock sustained during the international break, and forwards Youssef Chermiti and loan signing Armando Broja are unavailable.

The lack of options up front places extra pressure on Calvert-Lewin, with support expected from Dwight McNeil and Idrissa Gueye in midfield​.

Tactical Battle

Aston Villa are expected to line up in a 4-4-2 formation, utilizing their pace and width to stretch Everton’s defense. With McGinn and Ramsey providing creativity from the flanks, Villa will aim to dominate possession and apply pressure early. However, their defensive instability could offer Everton opportunities on the counter-attack.

For Everton, Dyche is likely to set his side up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, emphasizing defensive solidity and quick transitions. With few options in attack, they may focus on direct play through Calvert-Lewin, hoping to capitalize on any defensive errors from Villa.

Prediction

Aston Villa’s home advantage and superior form make them the favorites going into this match. While both teams have shown vulnerabilities in defense, Villa’s attacking options give them a clear edge. Everton’s struggles in front of goal and their defensive lapses could prove costly if they fail to find stability.

Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Everton

This encounter presents Aston Villa with an opportunity to build momentum, while Everton will need a significantly improved performance to avoid slipping further down the table.