Villa are back in B6 tonight as we face Everton under the lights of Villa Park for Friday night football at Villa Park.
Contributed by Korben O’Brien – Join The Team
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LAST TIME OUT
A sublime Douglas Luiz strike wasn’t enough to prevent a second Premier League setback for Villa, losing 2-1 to Bournemouth last time out.
The Brazilian midfielder sent a superb effort into the top corner 20 minutes from time to raise hopes of a point after Dean Smith’s men had gone two goals down inside the first 12 minutes.
EARLY ERRORS
Less than 60 seconds had elapsed when Tom Heaton’s challenge on Callum Wilson resulted in a penalty converted by Joshua King. Harry Wilson added a second with a drive which wickedly deflected in off the post via the unfortunate Tyrone Mings.
Despite this set-back, Villa still created enough chances to have been at least on level terms at the interval.
character & class
Douglas Luiz’s goal wasn’t just a stunning cool finish, it epitomised his overall performance. Villa seem to have signed a player with character as well as class.
Whilst the Brazilian midfielder will no doubt be tormenting himself over an error which contributed to Bournemouth’s second goal, but he refused to let it throw him out of his stride, continually displaying strength to hold off opponents and lay the ball off to team mates. He grew into the game in impressive fashion.
Mighty McGinn (Again)
There were several excellent individual displays, with John McGinn again demonstrating just why Villa were so keen to get him on a long term contract.
Apart from his usual abundance of energy and creativity McGinn, was also unlucky not to score .
He was twice denied by Aaron Ramsdale saves and sent a thundering angled volley from distance into the side netting.
Anwar El Ghazi
Anwar El Ghazi remained upbeat after the weekend loss as he stressed that “Friday is a new chance”.
El Ghazi was obviously disappointed and frustrated with back to back defeats in the Premier League against Tottenham and Bournemouth.
The Belgian called for calm and focus as he now looks to kickstart the season against Everton.
“Friday is a fresh opportunity. We have to be positive.
“There is not a lot of pressure yet, we just know we need the points to show what Aston Villa is.”
El Ghazi is confident results will come and, like Jack Grealish and Dean Smith said, cutting out mistakes will be the key to Villa finding our feet in the division.
Korben O’Brien’s Prediction:
My prediction is that it will no doubt be a very tough game, but i feel that after a positive showing against Bournemouth we could sneak the 3 points at a packed out Villa Park.
Score Prediction: Aston Villa 1 Everton 0 with Trezeguet scoring for Villa.
Villa Underground Prediction:
With fewer total games in the Premier League, each fixture takes on its own significance, particularly those at home. Whilst the opening day loss at Spurs showed our competitive edge, Smith can only be disappointed at our uncharacteristic self destruction against Bournemouth.
Everton arrive at Villa Park having beaten Watford at the weekend after taking a point away at Palace on the opening day. The visitors are an undeniably tidy unit, with just 4 goals conceded in the last 10 underlining the defensive qualities we must overcome if we are to pick up a first win of the campaign. If there’s one area we look one dimensional then it’s upfront, with all our goal hopes appearing to be pinned on lone striker Wesley. Unless we can mix this up, it’s hard to see this being a high scoring encounter from our perspective.
Score Prediction: 0-0
Key Facts
- This is the most played fixture in England. Friday marks the 203rd league encounter – all in the top flight.
- Aston Villa have only started a Premier League season with more than two successive defeats – a run of four in 1997/98
- Seamus Coleman and Gylfi Sigurdsson are both one short of 250 Premier League appearances.
- Former Villa captain Fabian Delph won’t feature for The Toffees due to injury.
- Kortney Hause is available for selection following injury.
- Jonathan Kodjia and James Chester remain out.
- UK Free Bets: Villa (12/5) – Draw (5/2) – Everton (13/10)