Merseyside | Everton fans excited about Premier League return

Everton v Aston Villa Preview

This looks crucial for both sides; the Toffees want to maintain their momentum, while the Villans need to record their first win and kickstart their campaign.

Author | James L

Stadium | Hill Dickinson Stadium

Everton's brand-new stadium

David Moyes’s side have recorded back-to-back Premier League victories following an opening-day defeat to Leeds United. Their performance against Wolves was impressive as Jack Grealish starred. 

The detailed thoughts of one Evertonian | Sarah W speaks

Early international breaks can serve as a reset for teams in difficulty, or, in Everton’s case, risk disrupting momentum after a bright start to the campaign.

Such has been the promise in the opening three matches that supporters are already eager for Saturday to come around. Enthusiasm has been in the air since David Moyes returned to the dugout, and the sense of renewed purpose is plain to see.

Two league wins have brought not only moments of entertainment but also the emergence of an attacking unit capable of unsettling opponents. Jack Grealish has been at the centre of much of that, his influence in the final third making him an instant favourite with the fanbase. His presence has also benefited those around him, particularly Iliman Ndiaye.

The view from the Everton end during their win over Wolves

The Senegal international carried much of the attacking burden last season and was frequently targeted by opposition defences. With attention now shared, he has been able to find greater space and time to impose himself. Stationed on the right, he has begun the season with two goals in three games, and it would be no surprise if he were again to lead the club’s scoring charts.

After a productive summer window and the move into their impressive new home, the outlook appears brighter for Everton. The simple fact that supporters cannot wait for the turnstiles to open this weekend is perhaps the clearest sign yet that enjoyment has returned to Goodison’s successor.

The Villa perspective | “Our squad is better than people think...”

Our squad looks potentially a lot better than people think. We are in a stronger position now than at the start of last season’s Champions League campaign, even after a turbulent transfer window. The arrivals of Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliott on loan may not transform the side on their own, but they already represent an upgrade on Leon Bailey and Jacob Ramsey, who struggled for fitness and end product last term.

A rainbow over Villa Park

Unai Emery’s focus on ready-made players has raised questions over whether short-term fixes can deliver lasting progress. Yet if Sancho and Elliott help bring greater variety to Villa’s attack, and strike up an understanding with Morgan Rogers, the PFA Young Player of the Year, the potential benefits are considerable. Ollie Watkins, too, is likely to profit from teammates capable of pulling defenders out of position.

Despite ongoing speculation, Emi Martínez remains at the club, and the likes of Boubacar Kamara, Ezri Konsa, Youri Tielemans, Rogers and Watkins provide a solid core. With that spine intact, and with Villa tipped by bookmakers to be among the favourites for the Europa League, there is every reason for Emery’s side to sharpen their focus and build momentum after the international break.

Interesting stats

Everton are winless in their last twelve Premier League matches against Aston Villa since Villa returned to the top tier of English football in 2019-20 (D3 L9). Their last win against the club was in March 2016, a 3-1 win at Villa Park.

They have also failed to score in their last four home Premier League games against Aston Villa, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin the last Toffees player to score against Villa on Merseyside.