Aston Villa and Everton are two teams hoping to change their fortunes around, having lost in the opening game of the 2023/24 Premier League season. They will lock horns at 14:00 inside the Villa Park on Sunday, August 20, 2023.
The Villans were thumped heavily (5-1) by Newcastle United in their opening game of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
For Sean Dyche’s side, they lost narrowly by 1-0 to Everton, having wasted many golden opportunities in the game.
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa went neck-and-neck with the Magpies in the opening exchanges, but they lost their guard in five minutes after cancelling out Sandro Tonali’s opener, and they were ultimately outwitted by Eddie Howe’s side.
Aleksander Isak took Newcastle United back into the lead in the 16th minute, before doubling his tally in the second half.
Callum Wilson and Harvey Barnes scored the 4th and 5th goal respectively, as Aston Villa were smashed.
Aston Villa will be hoping for a good outing against Everton
However, they would be hoping that they get a positive turn-around in the game against Everton.
For Everton, Bobby Reid’s goal for Fulham in the 73rd minute meant that they would leave matchday one without any point whatsoever.
Anyway, both sides have another chance to reconvene in the Premier League in search of victory and the important three points.
Aston Villa courtesy of that annihilation received on Matchday 1 are the basement club in the Premier League, as they sit in the 20th position, while Everton sits 15th going into Matchday 2.
Unai Emery’s Aston Villa were victorious in both meetings last season, defeating Everton by 2-1 at Villa Park and 2-0 at Goodison Park.
Head-to-head records for this game points towards the encounter being a very competitive one and it might be a repeat of the same on Sunday, August 20, 2023.
The Toffees have picked up 16 wins in 51 games, while Aston Villa have the upper hand in terms of victories, with 22 wins.
With regards to draws, both teams have shared the spoils on 16 different occasions, across all competitions.
Teams News for Aston Villa
Emiliano Buendia and Tyrone Mings wouldn’t feature for Unai Emery’s side against Everton as they are nursing injuries sustained in the opening game of the 2023/24 Premier League season.
Jacob Ramsey, Alex Moreno, Leander Dendoncker, Bertrand Traore, Timothy Iroegbunam, and Jhon Duran will also not be available for the encounter due to the injury.
The fitness level of Leon Bailey, who netted against Newcastle United is also uncertain, due to a back problem.
Pau Torres should make his full Premier League debut against Sean Dyche’s side, replacing Tyrone Mings.
Following a bad outing last week in defense, it is unknown if Unai Emery would still stick with Ezri Konsa in defense.
Team News for Everton
Youssef Chermiti might not be given game time against Aston Villa, as Sean Dyche has expressed that the youngster isn’t quite in shape for Premier League football.
Jack Harrison, Dwight McNeil, Seamus Coleman, and Dele Alli will not feature in the encounter due to injury.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin should return to action against Aston Villa, while Arnaut Danjuma might lead the attack for Sean Dyche’s side.
Aston Villa’s possible starting lineup:
Martinez: Cash, Carlos, Torres, Digne, Kamara, Luiz, Diaby, Tielemans, McGinn, Watkins
Everton’s possible starting lineup:
Pickford, Patterson, Tarkowski, Keane, Young, Iwobi, Onana, Doucoure, Gueye, Danjuma, Maupay.
Prediction:
Aston Villa 2-1 Everton
The Lions should be able to devour Everton and having picked up two wins in two matches against them last season, they should be spurred for similar success on August 20, 2023.
Having lost embarrassingly to Newcastle United in their opening game of the season, they would be licking their lips to secure their first win of the season against Everton.
However, it definitely wouldn’t come easy, as Sean Dyche’s side are also a side that can ruffle feathers.
Kick Off Time: 02:00 PM (BST)
