Neither Aston Villa or Everton decided to splash the cash in the January transfer window, but let’s be honest, only one of them really needed to. The low-budget additions announced at Bodymoor Heath, hardly managed to quell the relegation nerves of the claret and blue faithful. It can only be hoped that Lambert has uncovered some hidden gems in Yacouba Sylla and Simon Dawkins.
Match Difficulty Grade
B – At this stage in the season and given recent results, this is not a game that we can afford to lose. Many Villa fans would probably see a point taken from Goodison Park as a fairly decent result. The pressure is well and truly on Aston Villa in this fixture, and fans will be keen to see why Lambert and Lerner continue to have faith in the current Villa squad to turn it around, despite having only signed two midfield players. Villa need to now pick up on average five points a month, no matter what opposition, to avoid the drop.
Form is Temporary
Current Premier League form table (last six games) – Everton – 4h / Villa – 20th
Everton: Last five Premier League matches at home: W 3, D 1, L 1
Aston Villa: Last five Premier League matches away: W 1, D 3, L 1
In the last five matches against Aston Villa at Goodison Park in the Premier League Everton have drawn four times and lost once, in the 2008/09 season.
Facts to Sweep Under the Carpet
Unfortunately for the traveling claret and blue faithful Villa’s away form hasn’t been ideal. In 24 matches Villa only have a measly 20 points to show, the lowest since the 1955/1956 season. Winless in seven matches, Villa face an Everton side fighting for a spot in the Champion’s League. We can expect to see our new signings tomorrow but are they up to it? MLS and French Division Two players – the jury is out. Either way, it will be a struggle to get a result against Everton, who have only lost one of their last 12 league matches.
What We Pray the Football Gods Will Provide
Basically, a point. That would be an achievement given how Everton have conducted themselves this season. It might not be too unrealistic either, as six of the last eight meetings between these teams have been a draw. It would be nice if this time we see Villa players given a “standing ovation” for getting a result rather than losing, and if we see the second-half Villa that earned the applause, we might just take something from the game. With Weimann currently negotiating a new contract it would be good to see him involved in the first 11, especially if he can link up with Benteke as they did the last time Villa came to Merseyside against Liverpool. Oh, and would a couple of goals from Sylla and/or Dawkins be too much to ask?
Why Villa are Totally 100% Going to Win
Encouragingly, the last time Everton won this fixture was a long time ago (in 2006 to be exact). It certainly might not be the most winnable of games but look at how well we did against Liverpool. Geographically, this means we might just nick all three points. I appreciate I might be clutching at straws here, but anyway, Everton have always struggled against Villa at home, and in this fixture, the most played tie in the top flight, Villa have a slightly better record overall. There are a few signs that partnerships are beginning to work in the AVFC lineup, and with a couple of new players to choose from, surely this can only strengthen the team? The wins are on the way, I’m sure. To quote the gaffer himself… we’ll be fine. UTV.
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