Everton predicted XI vs Aston Villa (4-3-3)

Everton head to Villa Park on Sunday with the Toffees facing one of the Premier League’s most daunting away assignments.

Everton are up against an Aston Villa side looking to extend their formidable home run and tighten their grip on a top-four place.

David Moyes’ side arrives short-staffed, but they have improved on the road, having kept four clean sheets in their last five away league matches.

However, with Villa unbeaten in 13 Premier League meetings against the Toffees, history is firmly against the visitors.

Match preview

Everton sit 12th in the table, competitive but struggling for consistency.

A penalty-shootout FA Cup exit to Sunderland compounded a difficult run that has seen Moyes’ men win just one of their last six matches in all competitions.

But their away form offers encouragement.

Since Moyes’ return, Everton have been more compact and disciplined on their travels, claiming notable scalps while conceding very little.

However, the challenge at Villa Park is different.

Unai Emery’s side has won 11 consecutive home matches across all competitions and controls games expertly once they establish a foothold.

Match stats

Everton have lost each of their last four Premier League away games against Aston Villa, conceding nine goals in that run.

The Toffees have scored just 23 goals in 21 league matches this season, ranking 15th in the division with an expected goals total of 23.6.

Jack Grealish has created 36 chances from open play in the Premier League this season, second only to Jeremy Doku.

Everton have kept four clean sheets in their last five away league games, equalling the total from their previous 18 combined away games.

Team news

Moyes remains without several key figures. Michael Keane is suspended, while Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman are sidelined with hamstring injuries.

Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye are away at the Africa Cup of Nations, thinning midfield and attacking options.

Grealish returns from suspension and is expected to start against his former club, operating from the left and carrying much of Everton’s creative burden.

Dwight McNeil should feature on the opposite flank, with Thierno Barry favoured to lead the line after Beto’s struggles in front of goal.

With limited midfield options available, 18-year-old Harrison Armstrong, James Garner and ‘exciting prospect’ Merlin Rohl are set to retain their places.

They will be tasked with screening Villa’s creative threats and supporting transitions.

Everton predicted XI (4-3-3)

Jordan Pickford; Nathan Patterson, Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Vitaliy Mykolenko; Harrison Armstrong, James Garner, Merlin Rohl; Dwight McNeil, Thierno Barry, Jack Grealish.