Everton may well count themselves unlucky after their last game where they went down 2-1 to Manchester United at Old Trafford. David De Gea was in inspired form, making a number of important stops, including a penalty save from Leighton Baines. At the end of the day, though, it was another match where they came up short at crucial times and its left them with only one win in seven games to start the new Premier League season. If they are to change that round then they have to put together a full 90 minute performance more often. Despite being the better side for much of the second half last time out, a slow start to the game and some poor decision making was their downfall, once again.
It was the other Manchester club who were responsible for inflicting defeat on Aston Villa, as City simply outclassed their opponents despite the game being goalless until the closing stages. Having lost at home to Arsenal and away to Chelsea before that match, the result means it’s now three straight defeats but they have all been games where if they got anything out of them, it would have been a bonus. Since their strong start to the season where they took 10 points from a possible 12, they have struggled, especially in attack. Their last goal came in the 1-0 away success at Liverpool which was over five hours of football ago. Paul Lambert will be hoping a return to that city will see them find the back of the net again.
One clean sheet from their first seven league games will not make pleasant reading for Roberto Martinez and his coaching staff. Although they are a side built on attack, they make it awfully hard for themselves by conceding so many goals. Their defensive problems have been made even greater with the news that John Stones will be out of action for the foreseeable future due to injury.
Since Lambert took over at Villa, they have always looked a more potent force away from home. Their ability to counter quickly on teams has been a real asset and that should be the case again with the return of Christian Benteke who made his comeback against City having been injured for the last six months. He’s the focal point who causes so many problems for opposition defences, creating space for the wide players who have plenty of pace.
These games are often entertaining and 12 of the last 14 meetings in all competitions have seen both teams scoring. I think it’s an interesting match-up as both sides will have contrasting styles. Everton will of course take the game to their opponents, being the home side, but Villa will enjoy that as they look to exploit a vulnerable defence. I think the away side have enough in their armour to get a result here, and the draw no bet market is a very attractive price.
Aston Villa ‘draw no bet’ 19/5 @ Unibet
