The Premier League returns after the international break with an intriguing matchup at Villa Park, where Aston Villa hosts a beleaguered Everton side. Both teams enter this clash with plenty on the line, though for vastly different reasons. Villa, under the guidance of Unai Emery, are looking to continue their steady rise up the table and cement themselves as a contender for European football. Meanwhile, Everton finds itself in familiar, yet perilous waters: bottom of the Premier League with no points to show after three matches.
The stakes are high for both clubs as they prepare for battle on Saturday, September 14. The fixture provides an opportunity for Villa to consolidate their good form, but it also represents a potential turning point for Sean Dyche’s struggling Toffees, who desperately need to reverse their early-season fortunes.
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Aston Villa: Growing Confidence Under Unai Emery
Aston Villa has experienced a steady transformation under Unai Emery since his arrival last season. Though their 2024-25 campaign began with a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal, the Villans have bounced back with two important victories. Villa’s ability to control matches with possession, combined with their high-pressing style, has allowed them to dominate lesser opposition. Their most recent victory, a 3-2 thriller against Burnley, demonstrated their attacking flair but also highlighted defensive vulnerabilities that Emery will be eager to address.
Ollie Watkins is expected to lead the line once again for Villa, despite still working his way back to full fitness. Watkins’ ability to stretch defenses with his pace, coupled with his clinical finishing, makes him a constant threat. He will likely be supported by creative midfielders like John McGinn and Jacob Ramsey, who have been pivotal in driving Villa’s attacks from wide and central areas.
In defense, Aston Villa will be boosted by the return of Ezri Konsa, whose partnership with summer signing Pau Torres has yet to fully gel but holds promise. The duo will need to tighten up, particularly during transitions, as Villa has been caught out by counter-attacks on multiple occasions this season.
Everton: Searching for Answers
The story couldn’t be more different at Goodison Park. Everton’s start to the season has been disastrous, to say the least. After three matches, the Toffees find themselves rock bottom of the Premier League, with zero points and a string of poor performances. Their most recent outing, a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth, encapsulated their early-season woes. Despite taking a two-goal lead, Everton capitulated in the second half, exposing their fragile defense and inability to manage a game when ahead.
Sean Dyche, who was brought in last season to steady the ship, now faces the challenge of lifting his side out of a deep slump. Defensive injuries haven’t helped his cause, with key players like Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson sidelined for this weekend’s fixture. The absence of Seamus Coleman, another experienced defender, compounds Everton’s problems at the back, leaving them vulnerable against Villa’s fluid attack.
Up front, the return of Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been one of the few positives for Everton, but the English striker is still working his way back to full sharpness. Calvert-Lewin will need to shoulder much of the attacking responsibility, as Everton’s other options have struggled to make an impact. Winger Dwight McNeil and midfielder Idrissa Gueye will be tasked with supplying service to Calvert-Lewin, but the Toffees’ lack of creativity in midfield has been a glaring issue.
Dyche’s pragmatic approach—focused on defensive solidity and counter-attacking—hasn’t yielded the results Everton fans hoped for. The team’s inability to control possession or create clear-cut chances has made them easy prey for more dynamic Premier League sides. With pressure mounting, this trip to Villa Park could prove decisive for Dyche’s tenure.
Key Battles to Watch
1. Ollie Watkins vs Michael Keane
Watkins will be a constant threat for Villa, with his pace and movement likely to stretch Everton’s shaky defense. Keane, who has endured a difficult start to the season, will need to be at his best to contain Watkins, particularly in one-on-one situations. If Keane struggles, it could be a long day for Everton.
2. John McGinn vs Idrissa Gueye
McGinn’s role as Villa’s creative force in midfield will put him in direct competition with Gueye, Everton’s defensive anchor. McGinn’s ability to break lines with his passing and dribbling will be crucial for Villa, while Gueye will be tasked with breaking up play and preventing Villa from controlling the tempo of the match.
3. Dominic Calvert-Lewin vs Pau Torres
Calvert-Lewin’s physical presence and aerial ability will test Villa’s backline, particularly Pau Torres, who is still adapting to the pace of the Premier League. If Everton can find a way to get quality crosses into the box, Calvert-Lewin could be the difference-maker.
Tactical Preview
Aston Villa’s high-pressing style and preference for controlling possession will be central to their game plan. Emery’s side likes to build attacks from the back, using their fullbacks to create width and overload opposition defenses. With players like McGinn and Ramsey providing creativity from midfield, Villa will aim to dominate the ball and keep Everton on the back foot.
Everton, by contrast, will likely adopt a more defensive posture. Dyche’s side has struggled to maintain possession and will look to hit Villa on the counter. Calvert-Lewin’s hold-up play will be key, as Everton will try to get the ball forward quickly and catch Villa off guard during transitions. However, with defensive injuries and a lack of creative midfield options, Everton may struggle to sustain pressure.
What’s at Stake?
For Aston Villa, a win could further solidify their ambitions of finishing in the top half of the Premier League table, possibly even challenging for a European spot. Emery has instilled a winning mentality in this Villa squad, and victories against teams like Everton are crucial if they are to maintain momentum.
For Everton, this match represents a potential turning point. A defeat would only deepen the crisis at Goodison Park, putting Dyche under even more pressure. A win, however, could be the spark needed to kickstart their season. With upcoming fixtures against fellow relegation candidates, Everton desperately needs something positive to take back to Merseyside.
Prediction
Given the contrasting form of both teams, Aston Villa enters this match as clear favorites. Villa’s attacking firepower, coupled with Everton’s defensive frailties, suggests that the home side will create plenty of chances. However, if Everton can stay organized defensively and capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities, they could frustrate Villa and snatch a point.
Prediction: Aston Villa 2-1 Everton
Villa’s superior form and home advantage should give them the edge, but Everton’s desperation for points could make this a more competitive fixture than expected.
