The English Premier League action continues as Everton takes on Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 1:30 AM (BDT) / IST / 1:00 AM (INR). Sean Dyche’s Everton will look to capitalize on their home advantage to move up the table, while Unai Emery’s Aston Villa aims to maintain their impressive form this season.
Everton vs Aston Villa Form Guide
Everton
Everton, managed by Sean Dyche, have faced a challenging season but continue to show resilience in key matches. Their reliance on aerial duels and direct play has proven effective at times. Key players like Iliman Ndiaye and Abdoulaye Doucouré are crucial to their attacking plans, but Everton must improve their finishing to pose a greater threat.
Aston Villa
Under the guidance of Unai Emery, Aston Villa has been a consistent force, displaying strong attacking play and defensive organization. Players like Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers have been instrumental in their success, combining for critical goals and assists. Villa’s ability to create chances from set pieces and long-range efforts will test Everton’s defense.
Everton vs Aston Villa Key Battles
Iliman Ndiaye vs Ollie Watkins
Ndiaye has been a bright spot for Everton with his creativity and determination, but he faces tough competition against Watkins, who is Villa’s top scorer. Watkins’ clinical finishing and movement in the box make him a constant threat.
Beto vs Morgan Rogers
While Beto has struggled to contribute significantly, Rogers has been a revelation for Villa with his goal contributions. Their performances could play a significant role in shaping the outcome.
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Everton vs Aston Villa Tactical Outlook
Everton’s approach revolves around width and direct play, utilizing long balls and frequent crosses to exploit aerial duels, one of their key strengths. Their tendency to take long shots could test Aston Villa’s defensive organization, especially if Villa leaves gaps outside the box while defending. However, Everton’s significant weaknesses, including their inability to keep possession, protect leads, or avoid offsides, make them vulnerable against a Villa side that thrives on exploiting mistakes.
Aston Villa, on the other hand, brings a more controlled style, focusing on attacking through the middle with short passes and frequent through balls. Their strength in creating long-shot opportunities and attacking set pieces positions them well against an Everton side prone to fouling in dangerous areas. Villa’s vulnerability in aerial duels could be exploited by Everton’s crossing-heavy game, but their ability to come back from losing positions and defend set pieces effectively suggests resilience.
Head-to-Head Encounters
In their recent matchups, Aston Villa holds a slight edge over Everton with 10 wins, while Everton has secured 7 victories. Seven matches have ended in a draw, reflecting a competitive rivalry.
Injury News and Suspensions
Everton
Everton faces a string of injury concerns as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures. Armando Broja, Dwight McNeil, James Garner, and Youssef Chermiti are all sidelined but could return by late January 2025, providing some relief to manager Sean Dyche. Tim Iroegbunam is dealing with a foot injury, pushing his expected return to early February 2025. Seamus Coleman remains doubtful due to muscle cramps, adding further uncertainty to Everton’s squad depth.
Aston Villa
Aston Villa also has injury setbacks to contend with. Diego Carlos is doubtful for the next match as he recovers from a foot injury. John McGinn is out with a hamstring injury and is not expected back until early February 2025. Pau Torres is dealing with a foot injury and could return by late January 2025. Manager Unai Emery will need to adjust his defensive and midfield strategies to navigate this challenging period effectively.
Everton vs Aston Villa Possible Playing Squads
Everton
Pickford(GK), Mykolenko, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Patterson, Gueye, Mangala, Doucouré, Ndiaye, Harrison, Beto
Aston Villa
Martínez(GK), Digne, Mings, Konsa, Cash, Kamara, Tielemans, Onana, Rogers, Watkins, Bailey
Match Details at a Glance
| Match | Date | Time | Format | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everton vs Aston Villa | Thursday, January 16, 2025 | 01:30 AM (BDT) / IST/ 01.00:00 AM (INR) | Premier League | Goodison Park, Liverpool, England |
Match Prediction
Everton will look to use their home advantage to secure at least a point, while Aston Villa’s attacking strength may be difficult to counter. A tightly contested match with both defenses holding firm could result in a draw.
Score Prediction
Everton and Aston Villa could play out a tight, defensive battle, with neither side finding a breakthrough. Both teams may struggle to create clear chances in a cautious contest. Final prediction: Everton 0-0 Aston Villa in a goalless stalemate.