Everton head to Aston Villa on Saturday knowing a win would lift them into the top four of the Premier League. The Goodison Park club have made an impressive start to life under new boss Roberto Martinez, who took over from Manchester United-bound David Moyes in the close-season, suffering just one defeat in their opening eight top-flight fixtures. Martinez’s men bounced back from the disappointment of that 3-1 loss against Manchester City in ideal fashion last time out, picking up a 2-1 victory over Hull City to leave them seventh – just four points adrift of top club Arsenal.
And with eight teams not playing until Sunday, Everton have the chance to put themselves among the front-runners against a Villa side whose home form has been difficult to predict this season. A 3-2 victory over Manchester City has been their undoubted highlight of the campaign so far, but a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle United at Villa Park on September 15 will give Everton the belief that they are more than capable of picking up three points.
What to expect from the Match
Christian Benteke returned to action from the bench last weekend and with a week’s training under his belt the Belgian is likely to go straight back into the team. Elsewhere Ciaran Clark should be back available having missed the game against Spurs through illness and he is likely to replace Nathan Baker. The performances of Leandro Bacuna have been keeping Matt Lowton sidelined but a poor start to the campaign by the likes of Ashley Westwood could see Lambert make some changes after defeat last Sunday.
Steven Pienaar was fit enough to return to action from the bench against Hull and netted the winner almost immediately upon his introduction, so the playmaker could come in for Osman or McCarthy. Darron Gibson and Antolin Alcaraz remain sidelined, so the team is likely to remain unchanged elsewhere. Gareth Barry will return to his former club for the first time in the blue of his loan club Everton and is likely to receive a frosty reception.
In what is the most played fixture in English football history – with this being their 215th meeting – goals have generally been assured when the two sides have met. Both teams have netted in 11 of their last 12 meetings, with 9 of their last 13 league encounters ending in score draws.
Players to watch out for
Christian Benteke (Aston Villa): Christian Benteke is fit and ready for action. The Belgian striker, who has five Premier League goals to his name this term, has not started since picking up a groin injury at Norwich in September, but made his comeback as a substitute in last Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Tottenham.
Romelu Lukaku (Everton): The powerful Belgian may turn out to be one of the most inspired pieces of business by Roberto Martinez. He struck twice and assisted Ross Barkley’s goal in the 3-2 win over Newcastle, and will be the battering ram with which Everton will look to break down Villa’s defense.
Predicted Starting line ups
Predictions
With the various factors in mind all eyes will be on Benteke and Lukaku at either end, and of all players to muster at least 10 shots at goal this season only Sergio Aguero has a better conversion rate than the two Belgians (both 28.6%).
Aston Villa 1-2 Everton