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Everton vs Aston VillaJanuary 14 2024, 9:00 AM ET
Everton odds+175
Aston Villa odds+148
Draw+260
Over\Under2 -135 / +250

Everton vs Aston Villa. Shape of the Teams

Time indeed flies in the world of soccer, and nowhere is this more evident than in the meteoric rise of Aston Villa. Since their promotion in 2019, following a dramatic play-off victory in the Championship, their journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. 

Initially, the team revolved around Jack Grealish, but his departure to Manchester City marked a new chapter, with Villa spending the ensuing cash influx in a somewhat haphazard fashion.

The arrival of Premier League icon Steven Gerrard, fresh from a successful stint in Scotland, brought high hopes. Yet, despite his legendary status, Gerrard’s tenure at Villa Park didn’t quite ignite the spark that many had anticipated.

Enter Unai Emery, the former Arsenal manager, who made a sudden exit from Villarreal to take the helm at Aston Villa. Under his guidance, Villa has defied all odds, climbing to an astonishing second place in the Premier League. 

Yes, you read that right – it’s not the usual heavyweights like Arsenal or Manchester City, both of whom Villa stunningly defeated, but Emery’s Villa that’s grabbed the spotlight.

Aston Villa’s remarkable ascension to second place in the Premier League can be largely attributed to their formidable home record. 

It’s been a long stretch since their last defeat at home, a 2-4 loss to Arsenal back in February 2023.  However, the upcoming match presents a different challenge, as it’s an away game for Emery’s squad. 

Adding to the plot, their previous encounter in the EFL Cup with Everton at Villa Park in September took an unexpected turn – Everton came away with the win, defying the home advantage.

Everton, teetering just a point above the relegation zone after a point deduction by the FA (currently under appeal), finds themselves in a precarious position.

The dynamics could shift rapidly, especially with Luton holding one game in hand. Yet, there’s a glimmer of hope for Everton. Despite their headline-making wins against teams like City and Arsenal, Aston Villa has shown inconsistency, suffering losses to Nottingham and drawing against Bournemouth. 

An interesting facet of Emery’s coaching style comes into play here – his tendency to maintain modest leads. Aston Villa’s last five victories under his leadership have all been clinched with just a one-goal margin.   

Everton’s journey this season under the stewardship of Sean Dyche, a Premier League stalwart known for his pragmatic low-block coaching style, marks a significant improvement from their recent past.

Traditionally seen oscillating between the relegation zone and just above it, often securing their Premier League status by the narrowest of margins, Everton has shown signs of stabilizing under Dyche’s guidance. However, their path hasn’t been without its challenges.

The Toffees have found some breathing room from the relegation fray, particularly after a trio of crucial matches against Newcastle, Chelsea, and Burnley, where their performances hinted at a team finding its rhythm.

But the soccer gods weren’t always kind, as the end of December dealt Everton a harsh hand. In a spell reminiscent of an early Grinch, they endured a bitter string of defeats against Tottenham, Manchester City, and Wolves, leaving a sour taste in the mouths of their supporters.

The looming potential of an FA appeal over the point deduction hangs like a sword over Everton’s season, adding another layer of uncertainty to their campaign.

Until a decision is reached, every point becomes a precious commodity in their quest for Premier League survival.

Everton vs Aston Villa Main Match Info

Everton vs Aston Villa, Prediction, Odds

The upcoming clash between Aston Villa and Everton presents a tantalizingly close match-up, at least according to the odds. This Sunday’s encounter promises to be more than just a run-of-the-mill Premier League game; it’s shaping up to be a tactical masterclass.

On paper, the fixture might seem uneventful, with both teams typically adopting a wait-and-see approach, looking to exploit spaces left by their opponents. However, this could very well lead to trench warfare at Goodison Park. 

Everton’s midfield dynamo, Onana, known for his exceptional duelling prowess, could be the game-changer, forcing Emery’s Villa to adopt a more offensive and inventive play style. But as any soccer aficionado knows, increased creativity on the pitch often comes with its own risks.

For Aston Villa, the onus falls on players like Bailey, Watkins and Diaby to make a decisive impact. In a team accustomed to securing victories by slim margins, every move and every decision is crucial. 

This match requires Villa to step out of their comfort zone and take the initiative, a stance they’ve not frequently assumed. 

Set against a backdrop of injury woes, some serious re-shuffling will need to be done from Villa’s side. This kind of unexpected lineup change, especially in matches against teams lower in the standings, can often lead to a series of frustrating and fruitless attacks.

In such scenarios, the game’s outcome frequently hinges on the effectiveness of counter-attacks. The question on every Premier League fan’s mind is: which team will seize these fleeting opportunities to turn the tide in their favour?

Conventional wisdom and the odds might favour Villa, and not without reason. Their track record and positioning in the league give them a slight edge.

However, the post-winter break period introduces an element of unpredictability. Players often return less sharp, less in tune with the rigours of high-stakes Premier League soccer.

Add to this the daunting atmosphere of an away game, with the opposing fans’ whistles piercing through the air, and the challenge intensifies for the visiting team.

Everton vs Aston Villa Betting Tip

Aston Villa boasts a well-established attacking trio, a luxury not afforded to Everton.

Moreover, team morale plays a significant role in performance, and Everton’s recent track record is hardly inspiring.

The FA Cup tie further highlighted Everton’s struggles. In a match against the modest Crystal Palace that ended in a goalless draw, Everton’s inability to capitalize on their opportunities, compounded by a red card, painted a picture of a team grappling with form and discipline issues.

These recent performances provide a strong basis for skepticism regarding Everton’s chances against a comparatively more robust Aston Villa side.


Disclaimer: Odds are accurate at the time of posting and subject to change. Please verify the latest odds on our platform before betting.


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