EPL: Aston Villa-Everton preview

Martinez on Villa

“We won’t underestimate their quality, that’s for sure. Anyone that can beat Arsenal or Manchester City deserves huge credit.

“When they have everyone fit and available, they are as good as anyone on their day.”

Lambert on Everton

“I know this will be a hard game as Everton have been going well.

“They have a different way of playing now. It was probably a good club to go in at that time but Roberto has done well.

“It’ll be a hard game but we’re at home”

Match Difficulty Grade

B+ Everton have been playing well and their league position shows this, but Villa will be boosted by the full return of Benteke.

Form is Temporary

Memory match

12 April 2009 Aston Villa 3 Everton 3

Battling to a draw from being 3-1 down, goals from Carew, Milner and finally a penalty from Gareth Barry (who is likely to make a return to Villa Park on Saturday) helped gain a salvaged point.

Aston Villa: Last five League matches at home: W 1, L 4

Everton: Last five League matches away: W 1, D 2, L 2

In the last five Premier League meetings at Villa Park, Villa have won once and drawn three times.

Facts to Sweep Under the Carpet

With Villa’s counter-attacking style seemingly ineffective at home, there have been worrying signs that are further highlighted by our home record – one win in five and no clean sheet since December. While Benteke will be looking to get a full 90 minutes, we can’t overlook Everton’s in-form Belgian, Lukaku. Admittedly Villa aren’t conceding as many goals as last season, but still defensive problems are there to be seen. Everton, who have only lost one game so far at Manchester City will be a tough opponent for a Villa side struggling at home.

What We Pray the Football Gods Will Provide

The introduction of Benteke in the second half against Spurs gave Villa Park and the team a massive lift. It was a reception worthy of a player that proved an instant nightmare for any defenders, and sure enough, within a few minutes of coming on, he had narrowly opportunity to equalize with a header. The Belgian’s return will give the whole team a lift against Everton, so hopefully we’ll see the confidence that is needed during home games reflected in the team’s performance.

Why Villa have got this game in the bag

Everton come into this game on the back of several good results, but historically it’s always been a tight encounter between the two teams at Villa Park. We might have lost 3-1 at home last season but that when Lambert was getting up and running, and the team were still wet behind the ears. Tonev came on near the end of the Spurs game and looked like he was adjusting to the Premier League, creating a couple of half-chances. With the return of Benteke, there’s no reason we can’t take all three points and start pushing up the table.