Everton find themselves in a precarious position as they prepare to host Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Wednesday evening. The Toffees have endured a disappointing run, suffering two consecutive defeats in the Premier League and failing to secure a victory in their last five matches. Consequently, they currently occupy 16th place in the league standings, with relegation concerns growing increasingly serious.
The stakes are particularly high following the recent managerial change at Everton, where David Moyes has returned to the club after a 12-year absence, succeeding Sean Dyche. The team urgently requires points to bolster their chances of remaining in the top flight, and they will be hoping to turn their fortunes around against a Villa side that has experienced its own share of ups and downs this season.
Aston Villa, positioned eighth in the Premier League, are aiming for European qualification next season. However, their form has been inconsistent, having garnered just three points from their last six league outings. They will be eager to capitalise on Everton's current struggles and secure a vital away victory.
As reported by The Hard Tackle, Everton will be without several key players for this crucial match. Tim Iroegbunam is out due to an ankle injury, while James Garner is sidelined with a lower back issue. Dwight McNeil is also unavailable due to a knee problem, and both Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti are dealing with ankle and thigh injuries, respectively.
In terms of tactics, Everton are expected to line up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Jordan Pickford in goal. Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko will occupy the full-back positions, supported by central defenders James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite. On the flanks, Jack Harrison and Iliman Ndiaye are anticipated to provide width, while Abdoulaye Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye will hold the midfield. Beto is expected to operate just behind the striker, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who will lead the line.
**Probable Lineup (4-4-1-1)**:
Pickford; Patterson, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Doucoure, Gueye, Ndiaye; Beto; Calvert-Lewin.
On the other hand, Aston Villa will also face some absentees, with Pau Torres missing due to an ankle injury, Ross Barkley sidelined with a calf issue, and John McGinn out with a thigh problem.
The visitors are likely to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Emiliano Martinez in goal. Matty Cash and Lucas Digne are expected to fill the full-back roles, providing both defensive stability and offensive support. In central defence, Diego Carlos and Ezri Konsa will partner up. Amadou Onana is anticipated to play a pivotal role in disrupting Everton’s attacks, with Youri Tielemans focusing on managing the game's tempo. Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey will offer creativity and pace from the wings, while Morgan Rogers is likely to act as the attacking midfielder. Ollie Watkins will lead Villa's attack.
**Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1)**:
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Carlos, Digne; Onana, Tielemans; Ramsey, Rogers, Bailey; Watkins.
A key figure for Aston Villa will be Ollie Watkins, whose ability to exploit defensive frailties will be crucial, particularly given Everton's recent struggles, having conceded in three of their last four matches across all competitions. Watkins's goal-scoring talent, coupled with his skill in creating opportunities for his teammates, makes him a significant threat.
With both teams grappling with form, this match is expected to be fiercely contested. Everton will be desperate for points on home soil, while Aston Villa will be keen to avoid further disappointment. Given the evenly matched nature of the encounter, a draw seems plausible, with predictions suggesting a 1-1 stalemate at Goodison Park, as noted by The Hard Tackle.