Aston Villa have had a rough start upon their return to the Premier League, losing both their opening games of the 2019-20 season. Villa play Everton at Villa Park on Friday night and will hope to get off the mark on the points column against Marco Silva’s men.
Everton, meanwhile, have four points from two games, winning their second game of the season against Watford after a draw in Matchweek 1.
The last time these two sides met in the Premier League was in 2016 when the Toffees inflicted a 3-1 defeat on Villa at Villa Park.
Should Dean Smith make any changes to his lineup?
Early Team News
James Chester, Kortney Hause and Jonathan Kodjia remain out.
PREDICTED ASTON VILLA LINEUP vs EVERTON (4-1-4-1)
Goalkeeper
Experienced goalkeeper Tom Heaton was at fault for the very early goal against Bournemouth when he conceded a dubious penalty just seconds after kickoff, which put Villa on the back foot immediately. But manager Dean Smith will stick with the 33-year-old for the game against the Toffees.
Defence
Villa’s centre-backs, Bjorn Engels and Tyrone Mings, were not at fault for either of the goals against Bournemouth, and the duo will continue at the heart of defence once again. The two have formed a good understanding at the back for Villa. They made a few good challenges against Bournemouth’s forwards last time around and will look to notch up the first clean sheet of the season.
Left-back Neil Taylor has looked good in both games of the season, and he will continue at left-back, keeping new signing Matt Targett on the bench. On the other side, Ahmed Elmohamady did not have a good game against the Cherries and he could be replaced by Frenchman Frédéric Guilbert at right-back.
Midfield
New signing Douglas Luiz came into the side in place of Conor Hourihane and had a mixed game. He was at fault for the second goal that Villa conceded against Bournemouth but scored a fantastic goal to give Villa a chance of salvaging a point against the Cherries. He will most likely retain his place in the team.
John McGinn was once again very good for Aston Villa and seems to have adapted to Premier League football very well. He will start alongside Jack Grealish ahead of Luiz on the pitch.
Attack
Record signing Wesley has had two very average games, but Dean Smith could give the Brazilian striker some time to settle down in the Premier League and will start him once again. We could see Jota come in for Anwar El Ghazi, who was poor against Bournemouth; Trezeguet will also continue for Villa out wide.
