Aston Villa will lock horns with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday night as they try to grind out a result on the road. The Villans are still hopeful that they can secure a top-half finish in the Premier League table this season, so they will have to go all out in search of the three points this weekend. The West Midlands outfit were held to a 2-2 derby draw versus West Bromwich Albion earlier this month.
Dean Smith could choose to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make one change to his starting XI for this game. Matty Cash will be back after serving out his one-match suspension last weekend which would mean that Ahmed Elmohamady will drop to the bench.
4-2-3-1 Aston Villa Predicted Lineup To Face Everton
Defence
Emiliano Martinez will resume his spot in between the sticks for the Villans after conceding two goals in the West Midlands derby. Ezri Konsa will continue to feature along with Tyrone Mings at the centre of Dean Smith’s defence as they try to keep Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin quiet throughout the 90 minutes.
As mentioned earlier, Matty Cash will return to operate at right-back while Matt Targett looks to impress on the other flank as the left-back. Smith will give both of them the license to get forward and join in on the attack when the Toffees look vulnerable on the counter.
Neil Taylor, Bjorn Engels and Ahmed Elmohamady will make up the numbers on the bench as they provide cover for the defensive positions.
Midfield
Douglas Luiz and John McGinn will function as the holding midfielders for the Midlands giants this weekend. Both of them will have to work hard to disrupt Everton’s rhythm in the game at the centre of the park.
The gifted trio of Anwar El Ghazi, Ross Barkley and Bertrand Traore will play just ahead of them as part of Smith’s attack. All three of them will be responsible for carrying most of the creative workload in the Everton half.
Marvelous Nakamba and Jacob Murphy will have to settle for a place on the bench as they await their chance to influence the game as the impact substitutes if required.
Attack
Ollie Watkins will once again lead the charge for the Villans in the final third. He needs a goal to boost his confidence after a barren run in front of the opponent’s goal over the past couple of matches.
Keinan Davis will be available for selection on the bench and could come on to make a cameo in the latter stages if required.
