The mid-table battle for Everton has been surreal for Everton this season with the side regaining form since the restart. Goodison Park sets to come alive as the side plays host to relegation struggling side Aston Villa. The match schedules for Thursday with kickoff at 20:00 GMT.
Coach Ancelotti is having a hard time coping up with his return to the Premier League. The side aces mid-table struggles this season failing to impress. Their 3-0 loss to Wolves was the last nail to put their hopes for Europa football to rest.
The side has much more to lose in case they carry forward with their current form. The side is currently 11th on the table with 45 points, which is five points behind 10th placed Burnley. The side remains tied on points with Southampton separated with a goal difference.
Aston Villa might have realized their fate following the relegation of their counterparts Norwich City. The side is next on line with nine points ahead of the relegated side. However, a win against the Toffees will elevate the side above the relegation side.
The side recently marked their first win since the restart with the 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. Coach Dean Smith will be building on the win to pull off a miraculous win to shake off relegation fears for the side.
Everton vs. Aston Villa Head to Head
Both sides have 23 games between them with the Toffees taking home eight wins against six wins by Aston Villa. Here is a look at their previous encounters:
Everton
Wolves 3-0 Everton
Everton 1-1 Southampton
Tottenham 1-0 Everton
Everton 2-1 Leicester City
Norwich City 0-1 Everton
Aston Villa
Aston Villa 2-0 Crystal Palace
Aston Villa 0-3 Manchester United
Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa
Villa 0-1 Wolves
Newcastle 1-1 Aston Villa
Everton Team News
Ancelotti faces triple injury woes ahead of their clash with the Claret and Blue. Andre Gomes and Mason Holgate missed out on their 3-0 thrashing to Wolves. Defender Yerry Mina had to be pulled off the game against Wolves after picking an injury. Mina is under assessment and could find his way back to the squad.
Aston Villa Team News
Wesley pictured in a gym sent waves among the Lions fans after a cruciate ligament rupture that ruled him out of this season. Dean Smith also has a double injury boost ahead of the clash with the returning Matt Targett and Neil Taylor.
Prediction and Odds
Everton has the edge over the side; however, both sides have a poor form with back to back losses ahead of the match.
Everton Win
Goals Under 2.5
First to Score: Home
