Everton vs Aston Villa Prediction Preview

David Moyes is back in charge of the Toffees for this Everton vs Aston Villa prediction preview, overseen by Josh Ingram. In his first game back, he faces a challenging task against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa side. In what will be a very emotive game for the Scotsman, the task is to get a tune out of this rather poor Everton squad in forward areas. It’s the second game in a row where Villa will be facing the dreaded new manager bounce, but they should have enough to overcome this Everton team despite poor away form.

Everton vs Aston Villa Prediction: Villa to ruin Moyes first game back

England, Premier League, Wednesday, 15th, 19:30 (UK)

Sean Dyche’s departure during a fight to stay in the Premier League could come back to haunt the decision-makers at Everton. They are understandably nervous as they can’t afford to be in the Championship next season when moving into their new stadium. The return of one of their longest-serving managers, David Moyes, is a good, stable appointment, as he knows the league and what it takes to stay in it. However, he is taking over a team that has failed to score in 11 league games, the most in the league, twice failing to register a shot on target. 

Going forward, they are poor. Since the start of November, the Toffees have been one of, if not the worst team in almost every metric. Everton have scored the fewest goals (5), the fewest goals from open play (1), the lowest xG total (8.81xG), and the fewest amount of big chances created(7). It is a massive undertaking for Moyes to turn them around. 

Aston Villa come into this on the back of a second-half turnaround against West Ham, who also had a new man in the dugout. In the Premier League, they have had a problem with consistency since the start of the season. Sitting in eighth with 32 points while contending with Champions League commitments is commendable. After beating Leicester, Unai Emery was optimistic regarding his side’s prospects, saying, “That match with those three points is fantastic for us. We are starting the second half of the season winning here at home and we are feeling the confidence again.” 

It’ll likely be a low-scoring affair with Everton involved. As mentioned earlier, they are below par in forward areas. Despite this, Dyche did manage two excellent draws away at Arsenal and Manchester City before the two losses that saw him sacked. This Toffees side can frustrate teams and make games a really laborious affair. It’s hard to see how they can go and get anything from this game. 

Morgan Rogers is one of the leading men presumably causing Moyes headaches in his first team meeting back. His output is far bigger than many would have expected this season, with six goals and three assists in the Premier League. Rogers’ ability to progressively carry the ball up the pitch does so much damage. He has Villa’s highest average progressive carry of the ball at 13.69 yards. When Rogers drags his team up the pitch, he has the best outcomes in the squad, with two carries ending in a goal and ten ending in a chance created. 

• Everton vs Aston Villa Prediction: Aston Villa to Win (TRACKED BET)
• Best Odds: 2.30
• Bookmaker: bet365
• Stake: 10/10 (TRACKED BET)

Everton vs Aston Villa Prediction odds via bet365 as at 12:00, January 12th, 2025. Odds may now differ.

Everton vs Aston Villa Injuries, Team News and Possible Lineups Prediction: Selection dilemmas for Moyes and key players missing for Villa

The big news for Everton is Dominic Calvert-Lewin is struggling with an ankle problem and missed the game against Bournemouth. The injury-prone striker is the last player who should be rushed back. Alongside him, one of their most creative players, Dwight Mcneil, is having trouble with a knee injury and is touch and go if he can be fit in time for Wednesday evening.

Villa has got a few injury absences of their own. Club captain John Mcginn has a hamstring injury, which could be anywhere from three to five weeks out. Pau Torres is out for two months or more with a broken fourth metatarsal. A positive for Villa is Jhon Duran will have served his three-game suspension and be back in contention; the Colombian is linked with a move away this January.

Everton possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko;Lindstrom, Gueye, Doucoure, Mangala, Ndiaye; Beto

Aaston Villa possible starting lineup:
Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; Kamara, Onana, Bailey, Tielemans, Rogers ; Watkins

Match Stats: Villa’s imperious record over Everton

• It has been 12 games since Everton managed to beat Aston Villa. The last time being a 3-1 win at Villa park in the 2015/16 season.
• These games can get a bit card heavy with six of the last seven having over 4.5 cards. 
• Jhon Duran has scored two in the last three games including the winning goal last season in this fixture.

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