Everton vs Aston Villa Preview: Form vs History in Premier League Clash

Everton’s bright start to the new Premier League season faces its hardest test yet as they welcome Aston Villa, a side that has enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings.

The Toffees enter the weekend on a high after back-to-back victories over Brighton and Wolves propelled them into the top six heading into the international break. That momentum was all the more impressive after a shaky opening-day defeat to Leeds United, where David Moyes’ men looked far from settled.

The summer signings have made an immediate impact. Jack Grealish has looked revitalised since his return to Merseyside, registering two assists in each of his last two outings, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has chipped in with a goal and an assist. Together, they’ve added much-needed creativity and thrust to Everton’s attack. Iliman Ndiaye is another standout, scoring twice already and emerging as a genuine goal threat.

Moyes confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Jarrad Branthwaite will not yet return, though his recovery is progressing well. Vitalii Mykolenko remains a doubt after suffering a setback while away with Ukraine, while Nathan Patterson and Yaser Aznou have resumed training but may not be fully ready for action. James Garner is expected to continue filling in at left-back. There is also some uncertainty over Ndiaye’s involvement after he picked up a knock during international duty, leaving Moyes with late decisions to make on his lineup.

For Villa, it’s been a frustrating start to the campaign. Unai Emery’s men are still searching for their first win after a goalless draw with Newcastle was followed by defeats to Brentford and Crystal Palace.

However, Villa’s record offers some hope: they are unbeaten in their last 12 meetings with Everton and have kept a clean sheet in each of their last four trips to Merseyside. That record ensures the match carries a compelling narrative Everton’s current momentum against Villa’s historical dominance.

Emery continues to struggle with injury problems. Boubacar Kamara remains a long-term absentee with a knee injury, while Matty Cash is doubtful due to a quad issue. Former Everton midfielders Amadou Onana and Ross Barkley are also unlikely to be involved the former sidelined with a hamstring injury and the latter still regaining match sharpness. On the brighter side, Harvey Elliott, on loan from Liverpool, and deadline-day arrival Jadon Sancho are both available and eyeing a place in the starting eleven.

For Everton, this is a chance to consolidate their strong start and head into next weekend’s Merseyside derby with confidence and momentum. For Villa, this fixture offers a chance to stop the rot and reignite their campaign before early-season doubts begin to mount. Current form favours the home side, but history leans heavily toward the visitors and that tension sets the stage for a fascinating game.