Looking to bounce back from three consecutive defeats in the Premier League, Aston Villa head Merseyside to face Sean Dyche’s revitalised Everton. Here’s the latest heading into Saturday’s fixture…
THE BUILD UP
Last time out, Villa lost at home to Arsenal, despite leading twice in the match. Ollie Watkins opened the scoring in the 5th minute, scoring in his fourth game straight with a well-taken finish, before the electric Bukayo Saka equalised minutes later with an expertly taken half-volley. Philippe Coutinho, however, put the Villans back in front before half-time for his first of the campaign, after a well orchestrated move from Unai Emery’s side.
Oleksandr Zinchenko put the Gunners back on level terms in the 61st minute and in the dying embers of the game, January recruit Jorginho sent a curling effort which, after hitting the bar and bouncing off a helpless Emiliano MartΓnez, made it 3-2 to the league leaders. Gabriel Martinelli would ensure all three points were going back to North London in the 98th minute, scoring a fourth for Arsenal after MartΓnez was caught up the field at a corner.
As for Everton, they have found a new lease of life under new manager Sean Dyche. The former Burnley gaffer has led his new side to two victories from three games; an impressive feat when you consider that The Toffees’ last win in the league (before Dyche’s arrival) was on November 22nd when The Blues saw off Crystal Palace 3-0 at Goodison Park.
The 51-year-old’s first game in charge saw his side get the better of league leaders Arsenal, thanks to James Tarkowksi’s second-half header. Despite then losing the Merseyside derby 2-0 the following week, Everton defeated relegation rivals Leeds United by a goal to nil last Saturday at Goodison Park, with 34-year-old Seamus Coleman the man to find the net. This form has boosted The People’s Club out of the bottom three and into a far more comfortable 16th position with 15 games to go.
Dyche and his side will look to secure three consecutive victories at home as they welcome Unai Emery’s struggling Aston Villa this week. Will Everton continue their fine vein of form or will Aston Villa put an end to their losing streak?
TEAM NEWS
ASTON VILLA
Diego Carlos this week trained with the Aston Villa team for the first time since rupturing his Achilles during his home debut against Everton in August. The Brazilian joined the West-Midlands club for around Β£30 million in the summer, but managed only 180 competitive minutes in claret and blue before suffering that serious, long-term set-back.
Carlos is not expected to return to action in the immediate future, with the 30-year-old needing to regain sharpness and best prepare himself for the intensity of the Premier League, but it appears the former Sevilla man will feature again this season and could play a big part in the final games of the 2022/23 campaign.
When discussing the central defender’s situation last week, Unai Emery said: βDiego Carlos, we are so happy, because he has started training with us. But, of course, he will need time to be fit and to be confident to play.”
Aside from Carlos, the only other known absentee this weekend for Aston Villa is Jed Steer who continues to work and recover from a calf injury. The 30-year-old goalkeeper’s contract expires this summer and it is not expected that the former Charlton man will be kept at the club.
EVERTON
Everton duo Nathan Patterson and James Garner could return to the squad for the fixture at Goodison Park this weekend. The pair played for the Under 21 side against Tottenham Hotspur U21 last Friday, racking up valuable minutes in preparation for a first team comeback.
On both Garner and Patterson last week, Sean Dyche said: “they’re not there yet, but they’ve been on the grass with us, and it’s time to put it into game practice and take it on next week.”
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is ruled out of the upcoming game. The forward, who has struggled with injuries throughout his career, picked up a hamstring strain during the victory over Arsenal, causing the 25-year-old to miss the previous two games and be sidelined for the foreseeable future.
Andros Townsend is another name that will be missing for The Toffees this weekend. The 31-year-old forward has been out of action since last March after picking up an injury affecting his long-term knee problem. In January it was confirmed that Townsend is ‘a few weeks away’ however, and could see a return at the beginning of March.
Midfielder Amadou Onana picked up a knock during the previous fixture against Leeds, although Sean Dyche confirmed after the game that: “it’s just a niggly little injury. I think it’s manageable as his fitness and game understanding improves,” and so the Belgian international is expected to be available.
SUBSCRIBE
Enjoying this article? It’s FREE to subscribe to UTVPODCAST | An Aston Villa Blog; you’ll receive instant email notifications of all released articles.
A BIT ON EVERTON
All in all, Everton have had a dismal season, but since sacking Frank Lampard and appointing former Burnley manager Sean Dyche, they look a completely different team. Under Lampard, The Toffees looked hopeless; they struggled to put the ball in the net – scoring 15 in 20 games – and struggled to keep the ball out of their own – conceding 28 goals and keeping just four clean sheets along the way.
Under Dyche however, The Blues look far more organised, rigid at the back – conceding just two goals in three games – and, most importantly, competitive. Heading into the game against Arsenal, despite the excitement of a new manager, it would be foolish to say any Everton fans could see their side picking up a result, but they did and they deserved it too.
Because of his time with Burnley, you knew what you were going to get from Dyche the secon dhe walked through the doors at Finch Farm. The football you play won’t be pretty, but it’ll get you results and that is all Everton need at the moment, especially with the relegation battle they find themselves in.
The Toffees still struggle to score goals under the 51-year-old however and both of their goals under Dyche have come from defenders. Calvert-Lewin’s injury proneness has certainly played it’s part in the goal deficiency, but poor form from the likes of Demarai Gray and Neal Maupay up top have also hindered the goals department.
Dyche will look to the likes of Gray and Maupay, as well as the recently recalled Ellis Simms and former Burnley man Dwight McNeil to chip in and contribute with goals as his side continue the fight to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
If you’ve found this post via Facebook, then please follow our blog page to support our fan-led content – https://www.facebook.com/UTVPODCAST
PREDICTED LINE-UP
Letβs take a look at Liamβs predicted line-up for this upcoming fixtureβ¦
Do you agree? Who makes your side?
Have your own attempt by accessing the following link: https://utvpodcast.co.uk/line-up-selector/.
Thank you for reading: any likes, retweets, or shares on the social media post where you found this article would be highly appreciated.
Thumbnail Media Credit: www.avfc.co.uk
AUTHOR | LIAM DAVIES
Authorβs UTV PODCAST archive Liam Davies – UTV Podcast | An Aston Villa Blog
On Twitter? Drop the author a follow…
DONATE
UTVPODCAST | An Aston Villa Blogβ is now accepting small donations, which will help to support the site’s ongoing evolution.
Thank you so much for your support.
HUGE SAVINGS ON ASTON VILLA MERCHANDISE @ KITBAG
UTVPODCAST is pleased to partner with Official AVFC Store, Fanatics, and Kitbag. Throughout the season, we will bring you exclusive offers and discount codes.
HIT THE IMAGE – to be diverted.
