Prediction: Draw
Best Odds: 5/2
Bookmaker: bet365
Friday Night Football is back this week, as we prepare for an early start to this weekend’s bank holiday Premier League action. The game we’re going to be taking a look at today will be contested between Aston Villa and Everton, both of whom have a long and storied history at the top of English football. They’re known for being Premier League regulars but Villa have only just managed to get back up to the top table, whereas Everton have some big plans for their future following a hectic summer transfer window.
Aston Villa
Nobody really knew what to expect from Aston Villa following their promotion from the Championship back in May, and we still think that’s the case even after a few games worth of evidence. The Midlands side brought in a whole host of new faces during the summer transfer window, and that kind of excitement it’s going to disappear just because of a few bumps in the road. Dean Smith has a plan of action with this squad, and we’re intrigued to see what the future has in store for them.
Team News
Chester, Hause and Kodjia are still out through injury, with Hourihane being tipped to return to the starting XI ahead of Douglas Luiz. Jota is also expected to feature ahead of El Ghazi.
Everton
Everton are in the process of sorting out a brand new stadium for themselves, which kind of gives you an idea of the ambition they have at the club in 2019 and beyond. Marco Silva has done a solid enough job as manager at Goodison Park since coming into the fold, but there’s still a long way to go before Toffees fans sign off on him. A top half finish is the minimum that fans will be expecting, with the return of European football to the blue half of Merseyside being an eventual goal.
Team News
Digne will face a late fitness test prior to the game, with Baines’ fitness also being uncertain. Delph could appear against his former side depending on if he can shake off his recent injury.
Factors to Consider
- Everton lead the overall head to head standings 82-80 with 58 draws.
- Everton have four points from their first two games of the Premier League season.
- Aston Villa have no points from their first two games of the Premier League season.
- Everton have scored one goal and conceded none so far this season.
- Aston Villa have scored two goals and conceded five so far this season.
Conclusion
Villa are going to take some time to gel properly as a team, but from a pure quality point of view, we think they’re good enough to get something out of a game against Everton. The Villa Park crowd is going to be lively and will be right behind their side, although the Toffees are still a formidable force. We think the visitors will take the lead, and then after the home side push and push in search of an equaliser, they’ll finally get one late in the game.
Prediction: Draw
Best Odds: 5/2
Bookmaker: bet365
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