Two teams in contrasting form clash at Goodison Park this weekend, with valuable points at stake. Everton are looking to maintain their push for a European position, while Aston Villa are desperately seeking to end a dismal run of form.
Both sides had tough midweek fixtures, which ultimately epitomised their seasons so far. The Toffees continued their excellent home form with a fine victory over West Brom, while Villa’s shocking first half display against Newcastle contributed to their downfall as they lost yet another home game.
Everton’s three points were all the more valuable as all the sides around them dropped points – leaving them in 5th, and just one point behind Spurs in the lucrative Champions League qualifying spot. With tough visits to Old Trafford and Carrow Road next up, Everton will be looking to secure another 3 points at fortress Goodison.
The Toffees have proved very hard to beat this season, and had they turned a few more draws into wins, they could easily be challenging Chelsea for 3rd. The undoubted stars of the season are Baines, Fellaini, and the rejuvenated Steven Pienaar. If their key players stay fit, a Champions League place is not beyond them.
Everton will be hoping that Nikica Jelavic can rediscover his scoring boots to help boost these chances.
There have been countless column inches written about Aston Villa in recent weeks. Paul Lambert’s side have been dragged into a relegation dogfight, as well as having their Wembley dream dashed by lowly Bradford. Their inept first half display against Newcastle must have worried the most optimistic of Villa supporters, but some heart must be taken from a positive second half display.
Lambert will seek inspiration from those 45 minutes, and his tactics will be under close scrutiny at Goodison Park. The flat back 5 employed against the Magpies invited pressure and stifled their attack. In stark contrast, the second half saw them use the width and pace that could be the key to their survival.
Christian Benteke has shouldered immense responsibility this year, and it is time for some of the more experienced players to help their young squad. Charles N’Zogbia and Gabriel Agbonlahor must start to lead by example – in work rate and quality. They are international-quality players on their day, but their form has been mediocre in the last year. Villa need them at their best more than ever in the coming months.
On paper, there is only one outcome this weekend: a resounding Everton victory. However, the Premier League is full of surprises, and this would ruin many accumulators if Villa can snatch something out of this game. Lambert’s side may benefit from playing away from the pressure-cooker environment that is Villa Park at present, but one would think Everton just have too many match-winners on this occasion.
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