Aston Villa has positioned itself as a strong contender for European spots over the past two seasons, thanks largely to the leadership of Spanish manager Unai Emery.
Last season, the Birmingham club exceeded expectations by finishing 4th in the Premier League, earning a spot in the Champions League.
The Villans are aiming to fight for a top-four finish again this season. After a 2-0 home defeat to Arsenal on matchday two, they bounced back with consecutive away wins against West Ham (2-1) and Leicester (2-1) before the international break.
Next week, Aston Villa will kick off their Champions League campaign against Young Boys.
Everton, however, has been grappling with financial and performance issues in recent years. After narrowly avoiding relegation in 2022 and 2023, they improved slightly last season, finishing 15th in the league despite an 8-point deduction from the FA. Unfortunately, they have started this season poorly and are currently at the bottom of the table.
Heavy defeats to Brighton (0-3) and Tottenham (0-4) were followed by a heartbreaking 3-2 home loss to Bournemouth, where they blew a two-goal lead. However, they managed to beat Doncaster 3-0 in the League Cup to enter the competition.
Aston Villa’s defense has been weakened by long-term injuries to Tyrone Mings and Boubacar Kamara, with Matty Cash and Diego Carlos also still sidelined.
New signing Amadou Onana has impressed in midfield, scoring two goals in three games, while striker Ollie Watkins, who missed out on England duty due to a minor injury, has yet to score this season. The club made significant money from the summer sales of Douglas Luiz to Juventus and Moussa Diaby to Al-Ittihad.
Other departures include Archer (Southampton), Iroegbunam (Everton), Dendoncker (Anderlecht), Sanson (Nice), and several loanees. In contrast, Villa brought in Onana (Everton), Maatsen (Chelsea), Philogene (Hull), and Barkley (Luton Town).
Everton is also dealing with injuries to key players, including defender Jarrad Branthwaite and new signing Armando Broja, along with usual substitutes Nathan Patterson and Chermiti. Right-back Seamus Coleman is also doubtful.
Defensively frail, Everton has already conceded 10 goals in their first three games. Dominic Calvert-Lewin was a standout against Bournemouth with a goal and an assist, and he’s expected to be supported by former Marseille forward Iliman Ndiaye.
During the transfer window, Everton made some significant sales, including Onana to Aston Villa and Godfrey to Atalanta, while Andre Gomes left at the end of his contract. They reinvested by signing players such as O’Brien and Mangala from Lyon, Ndiaye from OM, and attackers Lindström (Napoli) and Broja (Chelsea).
Prediction
Aston Villa has struggled at home, remaining winless in their last 10 top-flight games, with three draws and eight losses.
In contrast, Everton has won 10 of their last 14 away matches at this level, making them favorites to come out on top in this encounter.
