17 September 2021, 15:21 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
The Premier League fixture, Aston Villa F.C. vs. Everton F.C. kicks off at 17:30 (GMT+1) on Matchday 5, Saturday, September 18 at Villa Park. Referee Craig Pawson will be in charge for this game, with Simon Bennett and Dan Robathan assisting. Paul Tierney will be the VAR.
Preview Aston Villa Premier League, Sep 18, 2021
Preview Aston Villa were picked apart in the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Matchday 4 at Stamford Bridge. A brace from Romelu Lukaku (15' & 90+3'), coupled with a goal from Mateo Kovačić (49'), saw Villa pick up their second defeat in the Premier League: LWDL. Dean Smith's side have 4 points and remains in 12th place after 1W, 1D, & 2L. So far, Villa have failed to find the competitive edge on the pitch, except for the 2-0 win against Newcastle on Matchday 2. Defeating an in-form Everton could pose an insurmountable challenge for the Lions, who have failed to roar in the last few games. A 3—5—2 formation with Ings and Watkins could emerge once again on Matchday 5 against Everton. Danny Ings has a special affection for the opposition, having scored five against the Toffees, - his highest tally against any side in the Premier League.
Preview Everton Premier League, Sep 18, 2021
Preview Everton are unbeaten in the Premier League having defeated Burnley, 3-1, at Goodison Park on Matchday 4 to pick up back-to-back victories: WDWW. Both sides had walked off the pitch with a clean sheet after the first forty-five, but eight minutes after the break, Burnley put themselves in front. Ben Mee (53’) struck for the opener and the visitors were looking good for the win until the hour mark. Everton’s Michael Keane (60’) struck for the leveler minutes before Andros Townsend (65') produced a contender for goal-of-the-season. Twenty-seconds after the restart, an intelligent through ball from Abdoulaye Doucoure picked out Demarai Gray (66'), who wrapped up the three points for Everton, having completed the come-back. The club has 10 points after 3W, 1D, & 0L. The impressive victory also leaves Everton in 4th place and only behind Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United based on a G.D. of +6. Everton's recent success comes from their ability to hit the back of the net at least twice in every game (2.5 g.s.p.g) having scored a total of 10 goals in 4 games. Rafael Benítez will see no reason to change the 3—4—3 formation which brought him the recent win. The trio consisting of Demarai Gray, Richarlison, and Andros Townsend, who has been involved in three goals (1G, 2A) in the last four league games for the Toffees, could form the attack once again. Dominic Calvert-Lewin faces several weeks on the sidelines after picking up a broken toe and a quad injury.