Prediction: Everton vs Aston Villa

Verdict: Aston Villa draw no bet

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Unibet

Desperate to try and find some kind of boost this weekend, Everton will welcome Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa to Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime.

Everton

Starting with the hosts, with it finally announced earlier in the week that Rafa Benitez had been given his marching orders, Everton fans will simply be looking to draw a line under what has been a nightmare run of form. Making it clear from the start over the summer that they did not want the one-time Liverpool boss in their dugout, the Blues now find themselves firmly looking over their shoulder at the drop zone. Last seen getting hit with a hugely worrying 2-1 defeat away at leading relegation scrappers Norwich, the Merseyside outfit have remarkably managed to win just one of their last 13 Premier League matchups, a run that stems all the way back to September 25th. Only just about coming past Championship side Hull on FA Cup duties a fortnight ago, interim boss Duncan Ferguson knows he has quite the job on his hands at Goodison Park. Likewise, on a run that is highlighted by a woeful 5-2 drumming against Watford earlier in the season, Saturday’s hosts have landed just a single victory on home soil in their last six attempts.

Team News

In a blow for Everton, Saturday’s hosts will be without both Allan and Fabian Delph due to illness this weekend.

Making a loan switch from Aston Villa last week, winger Anwar El Ghazi will not be able to feature here against his parent club here.

Aston Villa

As for the visitors, while Aston Villa might be finding it difficult recently to pick up a win, there is no doubt that Steven Gerrard’s men will be boosted by an impressive turnaround last weekend. Coming from 2-0 down at home against Manchester United and snatching a point in the Midlands, the now-former Rangers boss will be calling on his side to find a January bounce here. However, without a win from any of their last four contests against Premier League opposition, a run highlighted by a late 2-1 defeat against Brentford, the Clarets are still battling it out in the bottom-half of the table. However, with their recent winless run not appearing to have dampened the mood in Gerrard’s camp, Aston Villa should be boosted by their most recent meeting against Everton. Landing a thumping 3-0 win when the two sides faced off back on September 18th, Saturday’s guests should be smelling a chance at Goodison Park.

Team News

After serving a one-match ban, Scotland international John McGinn is set to make his return at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Coming off the bench and bagging the equalizer against Manchester United last weekend, Philippe Coutinho could be in line to make his full Aston Villa debut here.

Key Factors to Consider

• When the two sides faced off at Villa Park back on September 18th, Aston Villa picked up a thumping 3-0 victory.
• Likewise, Villa are unbeaten in each of their last five meetings against Everton, recording two wins and a pair of draws.
• Everton have remarkably managed to win just one of their last 13 Premier League matchups, a run that stems all the way back to September 25th.
• However, Aston Villa are in the midst of a four-match winless run across all formats, suffering three defeats.
• 15 of the last 16 meetings between Saturday’s opponents have seen over 1.5 goals by the final whistle.

Conclusion

Mounting a stellar comeback at home against Manchester United last weekend, Aston Villa will be desperate to build off of those positives here. Looking to draw a line under their four-match winless run, Gerrard’s side should be relishing a trip to Goodison Park on Saturday lunchtime. With Duncan Ferguson once again taking charge on an interim basis, Everton find themselves in the midst of a real struggle. Last seen getting hit with a 2-1 defeat against relegation scrappers Norwich, they have remarkably managed to win just one of their last 13 Premier League showdowns. Landing a 3-0 romp when the two sides faced off back in September and unbeaten in each of their last five meetings against the Blues, an away draw no bet appears at attractive odds here.

Verdict: Aston Villa draw no bet

Best Odds: 19/20

Bookmaker: Unibet