Everton and Aston Villa will lock horns for the second time in quick succession in the Premier League on Thursday, with the former seeking to move up to sixth place in the table with a victory.
The Toffees were beaten 2-1 when the teams met at Goodison Park 10 days ago, although they have been much stronger on the road this season, which should give them confidence heading to Villa Park.
Everton were 1-0 winners at Champions League hopefuls West Ham on Sunday. Their haul of 11 Premier League away wins can only be bettered by champions Manchester City.
If Carlo Ancelotti’s side are going to win at Villa then they will have to do so without some key players, with the Everton boss confirming that Colombian duo Yerry Mina and James Rodriguez will miss the match due to knocks.
Ollie Watkins, who tormented Everton when the two teams met last time out, will miss the game due to suspension after he was sent off against Manchester United on Sunday. Manager Dean Smith has suggested that star player Jack Grealish will be available to play a part in the game though, although he’s unlikely to start following a three-month layoff.
With Liverpool, who Everton can leapfrog in the table with a victory, facing Manchester United straight after this clash at Villa Park, it’s a night that’s poised to have a major impact on which teams qualify for Europe next term.
Predicted Everton XI (5-3-2): Pickford; Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Godfrey, Digne; Allan, Davies, Sigurdsson; Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin
Key Man – Dominic Calvert-Lewin
After netting in his last two games, including a header in the loss to Villa, Calvert-Lewin appears primed to finish the season strongly.
The England international ran the West Ham defence ragged in Everton’s last outing, dominating in the air and showcasing great speed to lead his team’s counter-attacking. Calvert-Lewin grabbed the winner after a fine run and finish too, showcasing the kind of multidimensional threat that will concern opponents.
Throughout the season the 24-year-old has been Everton’s main man and his improvement has been evident with an impressive haul of 16 Premier League goals. With their European hopes on a knife-edge, Ancelotti will be looking to his talisman to step up again.