Venue: Goodison Park
Date: 21/11/2015
Kick-off: 15:00 (BST)
Match
Everton followed up their stunning 6-2 victory over Sunderland with a hard fought 1-1 draw against West Ham United away from home ahead the international break and it has to be said that the point is a good one for the Toffees.
Now Everton prepare for a home clash against Aston Villa this weekend and manager Roberto Martinez will surely want to see his side get back to winning ways during the encounter against the Premier League strugglers.
However, Villa have found a new lease of life since the appointment of Remi Garde as their new manager and this was evidenced by the fact that the Midlands side put in a very good performance during the 0-0 draw against leaders Manchester City.
As a result, the fixture for Everton could prove to be a potential banana skin and they certainly cannot allow complacency to enter their minds heading into the clash.
Everton Team News
Martinez will still be without the services of Phil Jagielka, Bryan Oviedo and Tony Hibbert for the game this weekend while the young duo of Brendan Galloway and Tyias Browning have also been rated as doubts.
As a huge boost for Martinez though, star left back Leighton Baines could be in line to make his first start of the season after making a return to action for the reserves during the international break.
Tim Howard will be starting in goal for Everton while Baines should be accompanied by John Stones, Ramiro Funes Mori and Seamus Coleman at the back.
Baines to make a return to the starting lineup
The consistent duo of James McCarthy and Gareth Barry are certain starters at the middle of the park while the attacking wide positions are most likely to be occupied by Arouna Kone and Gerard Deulofeu. Tom Cleverley and Mo Besic are available once again but they look likely to be starting only from the bench.
Romelu Lukaku will be the undisputed man to lead the line for Everton and the Belgian international will be provided support by Ross Barkley from the withdrawn attacking position.
Probable Lineups
Everton (Probable XI): Howard; Coleman, Funes Mori, Stones, Baines; Kone, Barry, McCarthy, Barkley; Lukaku
Aston Villa (Probable XI): Guzan; Richardson, Clark, Richards, Hutton; Gueye, Westwood, Veretout, Sinclair, Carles Gil; Jordan Ayew
Form
Everton: L L D W D
Aston Villa: L L L L D
Last Meeting
02/05/2015 Aston Villa 3 – 2 Everton
18/10/2014 Everton 3 – 0 Aston Villa
Prediction
While Everton are certainly the favourites heading into the clash, Aston Villa did manage a victory against the Toffees in the last encounter between these two sides and they will be confident of pulling off another upset following such a spirited performance against Manchester City.
Garde’s Aston Villa will be a tough side to play against for Everton
However, Everton are a very strong team at home and if the Toffees manage to find the back of the net early into the game, one can expect them to romp their way to the three points.
Everton are expected to win the game and although it will surely not be a walk in the park, Martinez’s men are most likely to ease their way to the three points on the day.
Everton 2 – 0 Aston Villa
