Everton v Aston Villa – Saturday Premier League

This may not appear to be one of the most thrilling matches on the weekend’s Premier League card, but it could prove to be a very interesting one. If other results go their way, then Villa, with a win, could actually leap up into third place in their hunt for a Champions League spot. While that will rely on the four teams above them not winning (Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester City), it is an indication of how well Aston Villa are running this season. Their best result will likely be the home victory over Chelsea, where they exposed some lackadaisical set-piece defending by John Terry and Co.

Villa have a rising star in forward Gabriel Agbonlahor, who is Villa’s top scorer with 5 goals. He is on the fringe of the England team, and should be heading to World Cup 2010 with the full squad, if he keeps up his impressive form. Last season he proved to be a revelation for Villa, operating a lot as a lone marksman. This season his has been given some support, and Villians boss Martin O’Neill has got his team playing with some nice width and creativity in midfield.

Everton would likely want to replay the entire last ten days, or probably the whole of October this season, suffering a crushing defeat in Europe, and then conceding an agonising late winner for Bolton in their last Premier League outing. The Merseysiders are languishing in the bottom half of the league, they have not won in five matches, and their situation has not been helped with an extensive injury list. David Moyes has found the going tough this season, as his first choice players have been falling by the wayside. There is a possibility that at least ten of their full squad could be unavailable for the Villa match.

The Toffeemen will be hoping that Louis Saha passes a late fitness test, as they will be needing him to add to his tally of 8 league goals, if they are going to get out of their current quagmire. His is a doubt ahead of the game, along with Yobo, Bilyaletdinov and Pienaar. The definite absentees include Phil Jagielka, Phil Neville and Russell Osman. Aston Villa head to Goodison with pretty much a full team.

The two sides met each other three times last season, twice in the league and once in the FA Cup, which Everton triumphed in, with a weakened side. Those three games averaged 5 goals per game, which could be a tempter for backing another high scoring game between the two sides. Everton desperately need a win to boost morale around Goodison Park, but Villa will feel that they are definitely the stronger of the two teams at the moment, as they look to solidify their position within the top six. There is a big battle for Champions League spots this season, and Villa will know that every point will be vital.

There is a six point difference between the two teams, and Villa play again in midweek, but will look to take things one game at a time. Everton are usually regarded as being a tight unit, with an emphasis on being hard to break down. However, with a lot of their core missing, their belly might be a little softer at the moment, than one would come to expect with a David Moyes team. They are there for the taking, and are struggling to find a win to help them climb away from their current 14th spot. Despite all of their woes, they have only lost once at home, while Villa have only lost once on the road this season.

Everton to win: 13/8 at Ladbrokes
Draw: 12/5 at Stan James
Aston Villa to win: 7/4 at SkyBet

Betting Advice: Villa have not exactly been lighting up the win column over the past five games, leaning heavily on the side of drawing matches. Everton will probably not be a pushover at home, and if it turns into another goal-fest, then Villa should come up trumps. If not, then a draw looks very likely.
Aston Villa Draw No Bet: Evens at Coral