Everton travel to Birmingham to face Aston Villa in a crucial Premier League clash. The Toffees are looking to earn their first points of the season. They sit at the bottom of the table and face a side that they have not defeated in the league since 2016. Last Word on Football brings you our Everton predicted lineup for the match that kicks off on Saturday, September 14 at 5:30 pm local time.
Everton Predicted Lineup Vs Aston Villa
How Everton Have Lined Up Recently
Everton have started with Jordan Pickford in goal for their first three Premier League games. A centre-back duo of Michael Keane and James Tarkowski have been the first-choice pairing. Vitaliy Mykolenko has continued his stint on the left flank of defence. On the right side, the Toffees have started a different defender in each of their matches. Club captain Seamus Coleman was the last to start in that position.
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The midfield pivot has featured Tim Iroegbunam and Idrissa Gueye throughout the start of the season. Last year’s first-choice pairing on the wings has continued with Dwight McNeil and Jack Harrison.
New signing Iliman Ndiaye earned his first Premier League start in the second striker role last time out against Bournemouth. Dominic Calvert-Lewin started the match as a striker.
Everton’s Recent Form and Tactics
Everton have failed to earn a point this season, though scored two goals in their last match against Bournemouth. The Toffees have also conceded ten goals, making them the worst defence in the Premier League.
The Toffee’s defence failed to maintain last season’s form despite sticking with the same system and formation. Sean Dyche’s preferred 4-2-3-1 system helped Everton have the fourth-best defence last season.
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Dyche’s system relies on high pressing to create chances. The Toffees currently have the most tackles in their forward third but have failed to turn them into goals.
Aston Villa have been susceptible to attacks from the baseline. Everton will look to exploit this with long balls to wide areas. The Toffees are attempting the most long balls in the Premier League. McNeil and Harrison will play a big part in the outcome for the away team. Jesper Lindstrøm could also make an impact, likely coming off the bench towards the end of the match.
Everton Injuries to Consider Vs Aston Villa
In this week’s press conference, Dyche outlined the fitness of the squad heading into the weekend. Coleman picked up an injury on international duty and is ‘touch and go’ to be fit for Saturday. New signing Armando Broja is out for an extended period of time. Jarrad Branthwaite and Nathan Patterson have joined first-team training but won’t be available.
Everton’s Predicted Lineup
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Roman Dixon
CB: Jake O’Brien
CB: James Tarkowski
LB: Vitaliy Mykolenko
CM: Idrissa Gueye
CM: Tim Iroegbunam
CAM: Iliman Ndiaye
LM: Dwight McNeil
RM: Jack Harrison
ST: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
