David Moyes is set to embark on his second tenure as manager of Everton, taking charge for the first time since his return to the club in a crucial encounter against Aston Villa at Goodison Park this Wednesday evening. Moyes, who previously enjoyed a successful spell at Everton lasting over a decade before his move to Manchester United in 2013, steps back into the managerial role following the departure of Sean Dyche, which occurred just prior to their FA Cup victory over Peterborough last Thursday.
Moyes assumes control during a particularly challenging phase for the Toffees, who currently find themselves in 16th place in the Premier League, a precarious position just one point above the relegation zone. With a game in hand over some of their rivals in the fight to avoid relegation, Moyes's immediate objective will be to rejuvenate a squad that appeared to have stagnated under Dyche's management.
In their upcoming fixture, Everton will face an Aston Villa side that has been navigating the pressures of Champions League football this season. Under the stewardship of Unai Emery, Villa has made a commendable return to European competition, yet they have struggled in the league, managing to secure victories in less than half of their matches. Nevertheless, they advanced to the FA Cup fourth round after a solid win against West Ham in their last outing.
Recent form illustrates the contrasting fortunes of both teams leading up to this clash:
**Everton's Recent Matches:**
- 2-0 vs Peterborough (09/01/25)
- 0-1 vs Bournemouth (04/01/25)
- 0-2 vs Nottingham Forest (29/12/24)
- 0-0 vs Chelsea (22/12/24)
**Aston Villa's Recent Matches:**
- 2-1 vs West Ham (10/01/25)
- 2-1 vs Leicester (04/01/25)
- 2-2 vs Brighton (30/12/24)
- 3-0 vs Newcastle (26/12/24)
**Broadcast Information:**
- **United Kingdom:** TNT Sports 2, discovery+, discovery+ app
- **United States:** fuboTV, nbcsports.com, NBC Sports App, UNIVERSO NOW, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, USA Network
- **Canada:** fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network 3 Canada
While significant changes to the starting lineup are not expected, Moyes is likely to reintegrate key players who missed the FA Cup match. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is poised to return to the starting XI, although Dwight McNeil will be unavailable due to a knee injury.
Injury concerns continue to plague Everton, with Armando Broja potentially sidelined following a serious knee injury sustained last week, joining Tim Iroegbunam on the treatment table. However, there is optimism surrounding James Garner, who may return from a three-month absence due to a back issue.
**Predicted Everton Lineup (4-5-1):** Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Lindstrom, Gueye, Mangala, Doucoure, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin.
On the opposite side, Aston Villa welcomes back striker Jhon Duran from suspension, while Ollie Watkins is expected to retain his place in the starting lineup. Leon Bailey has stepped up in the absence of John McGinn, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Villa will also be without Pau Torres due to a foot injury, and Diego Carlos remains a doubt. Tyrone Mings is anticipated to partner with Ezri Konsa in defence, while Ross Barkley will miss the match due to a calf issue.
**Predicted Aston Villa Lineup (4-3-3):** Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Onana, Tielemans; Bailey, Watkins, Rogers.
Despite some lingering dissatisfaction among certain fans regarding Moyes's previous departure from the club, he is expected to receive a warm welcome back at Goodison Park. Moyes aims to build upon the foundations laid by Dyche, striving to transform Everton into a more effective counter-attacking force while enhancing their defensive solidity. Aston Villa, currently ranked 14th in away performance in the league, has struggled on the road, losing five of their nine away games. As such, they may need to exercise caution to avoid an upset against a resurgent Everton side.