Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
With such a poor start, Aston Villa risk not only missing out on European places but dropping into the relegation zone, just as Manchester United did last season. Everton are not easy opponents at the moment. The squad may even win at their new stadium.
Everton
Everton, meanwhile, after an opening defeat to Leeds United (0:1), have put together a winning run that has lifted them into the top six. They do not have a single out-and-out scorer: Norberto Betuncal and Iliman Ndiaye have two goals apiece. However, a playmaker has emerged almost by accident in Jack Grealish. He has four assists and one pre-assist (the pass before the assist), so he has been involved in every scoring move for Everton.
Aston Villa
As for Aston Villa, it is impossible to name either a leading scorer or creator, simply because Aston Villa are the only English Premier League side who still have not found the net. This comes after averaging 1.5 goals per 90 minutes last season. Even in the last round against Crystal Palace (0:3), the team created chances worth roughly a goal (1.13 xG) and outshot them (13-6), yet without Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio nothing is coming off. Oliver Watkins has been off target as well.
Everton vs Aston Villa Prediction
Even Damian Emiliano Martínez Romero wanted to leave a troubled Aston Villa, but a move to Manchester United did not materialise. Jordan Lee Pickford is in no hurry to leave Liverpool and continues to keep clean sheets for England. He can help Everton secure at least a draw, and someone from the forward line could provide the winner for the squad.
