Aston Villa were thrashed on Premier League matchday No 1, losing 5-1 to Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
The Villains made several moves in the offseason and looked like a team that could challenge for a top-five place.
Medical testing 🩺@Harrison_Jack11 🔵 pic.twitter.com/SCOsu99DNB— Everton (@Everton) August 17, 2023
Medical testing 🩺@Harrison_Jack11 🔵 pic.twitter.com/SCOsu99DNB
The loss at St James’ Park was a reality check for Unai Emery and company. Now, Aston Villa will host Everton on matchday No 2 at Villa Park, as they go looking for their first points of the campaign.
Everton fell 1-0 at Fulham to kick off the campaign. Sean Dyche’s team looked like the typical Everton fans have seen over the last few seasons. Will this be the year in which Everton are relegated?
Aston Villa are unbeaten in six straight matches against Everton in all competitions. The Villains posted two Premier League wins over Everton last term.
Villa defeated Everton 2-1 at Villa Park before claiming a 2-0 win away at Goodison Park. Aston Villa outscored Everton 10-2 in their last six head-to-head encounters in all competitions.
The teams also combined for 24 yellow cards during that time. They averaged 4.0 yellow cards per match.
New Everton signing Jack Harrison, who arrived from Leeds this week on a transfer, is currently ruled out with a groin injury. Dele Alli is also out of action with an injury. Winger Dwight McNeil is out of action with an ankle injury.
Dyche’s injury issues also include full-back Seamus Coleman. The defender is ruled out with a knee injury.
Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be fit to play. Dyche started Neal Maupay in attack last week against Fulham. If Calvert-Lewin is still injured, Maupay could start once more.
Emery has injury problems of his own. Centre-back Tyrone Mings is out long-term following a terrible knee injury on opening day. Attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia will miss the match with a knee problem.
Midfielder Jacob Ramsey is out with a metatarsal fracture in his foot.
Adding to Emery’s injury issues are the absences of Bertrand Traore, Leander Dendoncker, Alex Moreno, Jhon Duran, and Timothy Iroegbunam. Winger Leon Bailey is also nursing an injury and could miss the game.
The good news for Emery is new signing Moussa Diaby got onto the scoresheet last weekend. He could fire Aston Villa to a win this weekend and help the team obtain their first points of the campaign.
Aston Villa should post a win on matchday No 2 against a woeful Everton. The Villains should post a 3-0 win against Everton on Sunday.