Everton v Aston Villa: match preview

The second caretaker coming of Duncan Ferguson has turned what would have been a toxic occasion under Rafael Benítez, and a gift for Aston Villa, into one of eager anticipation among Evertonians but a formidable task awaits the Scot all the same. He leads a team devoid of confidence after one win in 13 matches against an improving opponent managed by someone well-versed in spoiling the mood at Goodison Park, Steven Gerrard, and who has Lucas Digne and Philippe Coutinho at his disposal for good measure. As Chelsea discovered in Ferguson’s only previous home game, however, a raucous Goodison can inspire. Andy Hunter

Saturday 12.30pm BT Sport 1

Venue Goodison Park

Last season Everton 1 Aston Villa 2

Referee Craig Pawson

This season G13 Y48 R1 3.77 cards/game

Odds H 7-4 A 17-10 D 40-17

EVERTON

Subs from Begovic, Tyrer, Lonergan, Patterson, Kenny, Mykolenko, Branthwaite, Gomes, Gbamin, Gordon, Simms, Dobbin, Tosun, Onyango, Rondón

Doubtful None

Injured Davies (hamstring, March), Delph (illness, unknown)

Suspended None

Unavailable Iwobi (Africa Cup of Nations), El Ghazi (loan terms)

Discipline Y35 R1

Form LWLDLL

Leading scorer Gray 5

ASTON VILLA

Subs from Steer, Sinisalo, Tuanzebe, Philogene-Bidace, Carney Chukwuemeka, Archer, Young, Targett, Smith, Olsen, Konsa

Doubtful Konsa (hip)

Injured Nakamba (knee, Apr), Bailey (thigh, unknown)

Unavailable Traoré, Trezeguet (both at Africa Cup of Nations)

Suspended None

Discipline Y43 R1

Form WLWLLD

Leading scorer Watkins 5