Everton will host Aston Villa in a late-night Saturday kickoff. Both teams have a game in hand compared to the rest of the league and will look to maximise this advantage. The hosts are currently eighth-placed on the table and have the chance to climb over rivals Liverpool with a win. On the other hand, the visitors are still in contention for a top-half finish just a point behind tenth-placed Arsenal and two points behind ninth-placed Leeds United.
WHEN & WHERE?
Time: 20:00 PM (BST)
Date: Saturday, 1st May
Where: Goodison Park, Liverpool.
TEAM NEWS
Everton Team News:
Michael Keane, who set out of Everton’s 1-0 win against Arsenal owing to minor led injury, will return for the hosts. Abdoulaye Doucoure and Philippe Gbamin still serve the injury table as Ancelotti has about everyone available bar the couple aforementioned.
Aston Villa Team News:
Trezeguet damaged his ACL against Liverpool earlier this month will miss the rest of the season and the start of next. Aston Villa boss Dean Smith confirmed for the first time since the injury. Jack Grealish is set to sit out for his eleventh consecutive fixture with shin problems, one that will not only worry Villians but also everyone in England. Morgan Sanson remains sidelined due to knee problems though Wesley, who’s been out for about three months, will be available again. Matty Cash has served his ban and will be available again for selection.
RECENT FORM
Everton’s recent Premier League form (W-D-D-D-L):
A massive blunder from Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno gave Everton their first Premier League win in five matches. Perhaps that little bit of luck will spur them on to push for a Champions League spot. In the three games prior to the Arsenal clash, Everton were restricted to just a point each. The Toffees were in winning positions against Tottenham and Crystal Palace but allowed their opponents to come back.
Aston Villa’s recent Premier League form (D-L-L-W-L):
After a bright start to the 2020/21 campaign, Aston Villa have significantly dipped their level of performances, and consequently wins have been hard to come by. The only time they’ve taken three points away in the last eight league games was the late comeback 3-1 victory against 18th-placed Fulham. Something to work on for the Claret and Blue.
PREDICTED LINEUPS
Everton’s Predicted XI vs Aston Villa (3-4-1-2): Robert Sanchez, Ben White, Lewis Dunk, Adam Webster, Pascal Groß, Yves Bissouma, Jakub Moder, Dan Burn, Aaron Connolly, Danny Welbeck, Neal Maupay.
Aston Villa’s Predicted XI vs Everton (4-1-4-1): Illan Meslier, Luke Ayling, Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper, Ezgjan Alioski, Kalvin Phillips, Ian Poveda, Stuart Dallas, Tyler Roberts, Jack Harrison, Patrick Bamford.
SCORE PREDICTION
Everton 2:2 Aston Villa
