Everton vs Aston Villa 2014
A swift preview of the Villa’s tough away day at Everton. Recently though, they’ve always been decent games. UTV.
Roberto Martinez on Villa
“Aston Villa will be a team coming here to win. They’re not a side to try and just nick a point.
“They’re a team full of bravery, energy and attacking threat. Obviously they’ve got a really good attacking force, they’re a team that they’re always very, very dangerous in the counter-attack. So it’s going to be an open game straightaway. We’ll be aware of that but it’s about ourselves.
“I think if you want to assess Aston Villa over the course of this season, they’ve had some real highs and some real lows.
“What they always do is prepare. They don’t carry effects from game to game. They have a dynamic group of players and they come here with a different focus to midweek.
“You need to praise the way they play and open games which leads to chances for both sides. What you always get with Villa is they will always be in the game.
Form is Temporary
Memory match:
07 December 2008 Everton 2 – 3 Aston Villa
In a crazy game, Villa scored in the first minute through Steven Sidwell and Young scored seconds after Lescott made it 2-2 – in injury time! It was also the last time we won at Goodison.
Everton: Last five League matches at home: W 4, L 1
Aston Villa: Last five League matches away: W 2, D 1,L 2
In the last five Premier League meetings at Goodison Park, Villa have won once and drawn four times.
One to Watch
Ross Barkley – highly rated midfielder back from injury. Has scored three goals this season!
Facts to Sweep Under the Carpet
Boosted by a win against the Baggies, it would be great to continue where we left off against Everton. Unfortunately it’s never simple with Villa, and Everton have only lost once in their last TWENTY home games. Also, we haven’t beaten Everton in the last five attempts. Agbonlahor’s presence always proves so effective in away fixtures but it’s unlikely he’ll return for this game. To make life difficult for the Villa, Everton’s imposing new loan signing Lacina Traore (he’s 6ft 8!) will be looking to make his debut on Saturday, although thankfully, it’s expected Martinez will wait to introduce him until next week.
What We Pray the Football Gods Will Provide
History will tell you that in all the games between Everton and Aston Villa (in the league), both have won 72 matches. In fact, the last four games at Goodison have been 3-3, 2-2, 2-2 and 1-1. Such close margins should be evident on Saturday as both teams have similar recent form.
Ideally we should be wishing for a performance on the level of the Wednesday night derby, but with less goals conceded, obviously! We’ve seen enough to suggest that Benteke can continue his fine form – lets not forget he scored two in the same fixture last season. More goals from other players are always welcome too, even if they are like Bacuna’s against West Brom… Oh, and lets get over this Hoolahan saga once and for all.
Why Villa have got this game in the bag
Everton manager Martinez has called for Everton to bounce back against Villa following their 4-0 loss to Liverpool. This however, could work both ways. Surely their confidence has taken a knock following a drop in form lately, and with the anxious atmosphere of the home crowd Villa could take full advantage.
The hosts will be without Lukaku, and Coleman and Distin are also unlikely to feature. An interesting fact for the critics – Grant Holt has scored against Everton in three of his last four appearances against them. If the Toffees defend how they did against Liverpool we could be in for a good match. UTV
Follow Lewis on Twitter – @rymondfootball
