The Daily Star Ireland
Everton now find themselves fighting against relegation, standing 16th in the Premier League, a single point above the drop zone. The Liverpool team has failed to build momentum over recent weeks, managing just one win in their last 11 league outings, coupled with six draws and four losses. Among the recent defeats was a 2-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest and a 1-0 loss to Bournemouth. The latter result led to the sacking of head coach Sean Dyche. Last Thursday, Everton took on Peterborough in the FA Cup.
On the opposing end, Aston Villa has been a contender for European qualification, sitting in 8th place in the Premier League, only four points from the top four. However, the Birmingham side has struggled to find consistency as of late. The Villans have picked up two wins, two losses, and one draw over their last five league matches. Following a heavy 3-0 defeat at Newcastle, they drew 2-2 with Brighton and pulled off a narrow 2-1 victory over Leicester, before hosting West Ham in the FA Cup last Friday. Aston Villa are in 5th place in the Champions League standings and will look to lock up a direct qualification into the round of 16 in the tournament.
Without any top attacking midfielder, Everton will have to make do without the absent McNeil- with three league goals thus far- as well as the possible starters Broja, a striker, full-back Coleman, Garner, and midfielders Iroegbunam. The Toffees struggle in attack, only 19th in the league for goals scored. While former Marseille player Ndiaye, on three goals this season, is available, two-goal Calvert-Lewin has been largely ineffective.
Aston Villa are also missing some influential players, including attacking midfielder McGinn. The involvement of important defenders Pau Torres and Diego Carlos is also in doubt. On the bright side, attackers Rogers, with six goals and three assists, and Duran, who scored seven times, both return from suspension. Up front, the English international Watkins should play, having contributed eight goals and four assists this season.
Prediction
Given Everton’s defensive style and the recent low-scoring matches, with nine of their last ten games featuring no more than two goals, fans should not expect an exciting spectacle. Similarly, Aston Villa’s last five away games have also been low-scoring affairs.
Prediction: Everton 0-0 Aston Villa
