|
|
Premier League Preview: Everton - Aston Villa
Both sides but have been struggling for form of late.
Oct 30, 2009 6:06:08 PM
October 31, Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
Goodison Park, Liverpool
Goodison Park, Liverpool
Two of the contenders for a top-six finish and a potential Champions League spot - Everton and Aston Villa - have embarked on early season slumps and will be looking to return to winning ways on Saturday.
David Moyes' men have hardly been on conquering form so far.
Their Europa League campaign has been dented considerably with a 5-0 loss to Portuguese outfit Benfica, and they have not recorded a domestic win since late September and are currently loitering in 14th place in the Premier League.
Martin O'Neill's side, on the other hand, have a game-in-hand over most of the teams ahead of Villa in the table, yet needed extra-time and a penalty shoot-out in order to best Sunderland in the League Cup midweek.
With a near enough full strength side, playing away from home too, this could play into their opponent's favor on Saturday.
In modern footballing history, this fixture usually serves up an abundance of goals.
Everton and Villa squared off three times last season - once in the FA Cup, and at an average of five goals per game, neutrals could be wise to follow the match action.
The last time the Midlanders visited Liverpool, on August 24, they stole all three points. Their form against the bigger sides has been commendable, so a double over the Scouse pair, on their own turf, could be on the cards.
FORM GUIDE
Everton
Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 Everton
Bolton Wanderers 3-2 Everton
Benfica 5-0 Everton
Everton 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers
Everton 1-1 Stoke
Aston Villa
Sunderland 0-0 Aston Villa (1-3 pens)
Wolverhampton 1-1 Aston Villa
Aston Villa 2-1 Chelsea
Aston Villa 1-1 Manchester City
Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Aston Villa
TEAM NEWS
Everton
David Moyes is the current Premier League manager who has the most squad players out injured,as ten Evertonians are currently receiving treatment.
Diniyar Bilyaletdinov is out for about a week due to a thigh muscle strain.
James Vaughan, Steven Pienaar, Victore Anichebe are all suffering from knee complaints, while Phil Jagielka and Mikel Arteta are sidelined with more serious knee problems. Both the latter two, however, are likely to be recovered in November.
Phil Neville is also out of action.
Leon Osman misses out due to a foot knock.
Two players who could be ready for Saturday's clash are Leighton Baines (calf muscle strain) and Joseph Yobo (concussion).
Also, Louis Saha may not be ready, but will be subject to a late fitness test.
Last starting XI in Premier League (v Bolton 4-4-2): Howard, Neill, Heitinga, Distin, Hibbert, Gosling, Fellaini, Rodwell, Cahill, Jo, Saha.
Aston Villa
Curtis Davies has a dislocated shoulder while Stewart Downing is still injured.
Stephen Warnock, meanwhile, may be ready after recovering from an ankle knock.
Last starting XI in Premier League (v Wolves 4-4-2): Friedel, Cuellar, Collins, Dunne, Warnock, Milner, Sidwell, Petrov, Young, Agbonlahor, Carew.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Everton
Judging from his last Premier League showing. Louis Saha can still produce a goal from nothing. If he is passed fit, the Aston Villa defense - one that is still gelling following a summer of upheaval - cannot afford to lose concentration.
Aston Villa
The pace and delivery supplied by a combination of both Ashley Young and Gabriel Agbonlahor should ensure that the Everton full-backs are continuously tested.
PREDICTION
Everton 1-2 Aston Villa
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
How is England's lack of youth development hurting the national team? Find out in the November issue of Goal.com Magazine.
Inside Goal.Com
-
RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai
Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.
-
ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams
Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.
-
ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite
Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.
-
LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth
With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.
-
McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date
The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.